Online Q&A: Joni Eareckson Tada Print
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Wednesday, 25 February 2009 12:00 AM America/New_York
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Close Up with Joni Earekson Tada

“People identify with my honesty in this wheelchair. I'm not afraid to admit that I wake up in the morning desperately asking God for help to face the day” – Joni Earekson Tada

Currently resides in: Calabasas, California

Current Project: A Lifetime of Wisdom (978-0-310-27342-4, Zondervan, $21.99)

Currently reading: Searching for Home by Craig Barnes (Brazos Press/Baker Publishing Group)

After so many books through the years, why was it time to share this 'legacy' message right now?
This year marks my 60th birthday and just a little over 40 years I've spent in a wheelchair. So many people—especially people with disabilities—are wondering how God can be so good in a world full of so much pain and suffering. I wrestled with that question when I was first injured and I answer it straight-on in A Lifetime of Wisdom.

Who is the target reader?
Anyone who has succumbed to discouragement—even despair—as a result of problems that overwhelm.

How have you found your experience making a connection for your readers?
People identify with my honesty in this wheelchair. I'm not afraid to admit that I wake up in the morning desperately asking God for help to face the day. I think most people wake up that way, but don't realize it.

What's the most important thing you've learned?
That God doesn't take His hands off the wheel for a nano-second when tragedies hit us.

What role does prayer have during a person's trials?
Everything. Prayer is our IV line to the blood of Christ which not only cleanses us, but restores, heals, refreshes and rejuvenates us with mercies that are new not just every morning, but every afternoon and evening.

Do you have any other projects you're currently working on?
I'm working on a book about healing. Yikes.