If you know someone like Shirley’s friend, Joni encourages you to reach out to them and then when they’re ready, share the Gospel.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada. And recently I received a letter from a woman named Shirley who said, “Joni, I have a friend who recently broke his neck and is now paralyzed. He is so depressed, and I tell him he ought to at least be grateful he’s alive.” Oh friend, I remember when I was seventeen and I first fractured my neck. When they told me I’d be paralyzed for the rest of my life—come on, there was no way I could be grateful. Yes, the Bible says we ought to “give thanks in all things” but that doesn’t mean “feeling like a million bucks in all things.” Shirley’s friend needs people who will hear him out. Gently quiet his anger, bear with his sorrow, pray for him, visit him, and then when he is ready, then share the hope of Jesus with him. So, friend, if you know someone like Shirley’s friend, I encourage you to do the same. And you can always find helpful hints on our resources page at joniandfriends.org.
© Joni and Friends