He Prepared Me For Planting
“What I didn’t initially realize was just how much my emotional well-being hinged on being productive and helping others.”
Working with a significant disability can present many obstacles, which is why when my husband and I relocated to California a few years ago, I was elated to take a break from my career in social work. I was looking forward to less physical exertion, since those thick case files can be impossible to carry around when you aren’t able to lift more than a pound or two. But more importantly, I knew the reduction in stress would be good for my overall fatigue and emotional well-being.
What I didn’t initially realize was just how much my emotional well-being hinged on being productive and helping others. After some time, it became evident that I needed to get back out there and put my skills and gifts into practice again.
That is when I applied to volunteer at Joni and Friends. I wasn’t looking for employment, just an opportunity to get involved and lend a hand with an organization I had been encouraged by for years. On my first day, I was helping our grant writer research possible grant opportunities.
My workstation was smack dab in between two of the nicest, most welcoming women from the Response Department. It didn’t take long for them to share with me about a job opening in their department. Even though I didn’t have a job on my radar, I felt an excitement bubble up within me that I hadn’t felt since getting my first job after college.
But I still wasn’t sure I was ready or able. Going from social work to ministry was never in my plan. I went home that evening and spoke with my husband about the opportunity. After all, me going back to work would mean more responsibilities for him. He would have to allow extra time in the morning to help me get ready for work and he would have to drive me to and from, which was miles out of his way.
Even with that in mind, he was all for it. He said he saw my spirit lighten just from one day of volunteering, so he was sure this was the right opportunity for me. I prayed about it and felt like God was nudging me along, closing every door of doubt and giving me increased excitement and confidence.
“We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.”
~Psalm 16:9
So, I went ahead and applied, and shortly thereafter my volunteer gig turned into a job. That was over two years ago and God has continued to amaze me in the way He prepared me for and planted me here at Joni and Friends, all unbeknownst to me. In fact, when I think about the way I came to Joni and Friends, I always think of Psalm 16:9 (NLT), “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.” I praise God for all the steps along the way which led me here.
Without a moment’s hesitation, I can say this is the most fulfilling and rewarding job I have ever had. I had a 10+ year career helping others prior to coming to ministry, but I was never able to point those hurting people to Jesus. Now I get to combine my passion for serving others with the encouraging hope of Christ. What an enormous blessing!
I have even had the privilege of writing to parents raising young children with the same rare condition I have. From personal experience, I’ve been able to help address their questions and I can only imagine, and hope, that hearing directly from someone who has been in their shoes provides comfort to those families.
Working for a disability ministry has an added benefit of being the most accessible workplace I have ever had. Knowing that people here were already familiar with and set up to welcome people affected by disability meant I didn’t have to worry about any physical barriers to working. I was confident I would be able to get in and out of the building and I knew there would be an accessible bathroom nearby.
Plus, having a diverse workplace that includes people living with disabilities only enriches a work environment, especially here at Joni and Friends where people contact us with specific disability related questions.
Through my own life, God has guided me through unique experiences and challenges that I can now use to draw from while writing to friends of our ministry. Just as Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT), “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”
Written By – Tracey Motoda
Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast
There’s a difference between ministering to someone who has a disability and really doing life with them. While barriers like staircases and narrow doorways may keep someone with a physical disability from entering a space, there are other barriers that keep them from genuine, deep friendship. How can we take steps to tear down walls…
