The Nearness of Christ in 50 Years Of Suffering, with Joni Eareckson Tada 

I suffer from a neck injury that causes severe headaches, face pain, back pain and burning in my hands and feet. The pain has been off the chart this week with no relief. My friend sent me this video and Joni ministered to me in a mighty way. My Savior is with me in this pain.

I have suffered from depression and severe back pain for most of my life. I am now 76. God is drawing me closer and closer to Jesus through my situation. Thank you so much for sharing Joni's testimony and wisdom! How it has uplifted me today.

I was saved in the theater watching Joni’s movie. My first date with my husband. He led me to the Lord after the movie in his car. I will be always so grateful to Joni for her obedience in making that movie. Her life story changed my life. 🙌❤️ God is faithful!

Joni is beautiful inside and out. What a day it will be for her when she receives her forever glorified body!

"God permits what He hates, to accomplish what He loves." What a great description of the reason why the good news, is good news, for rebellious, wrath deserving sinners, who turn from rebellion, to receiving & trusting Jesus.

As a 76 year old polio survivor I rejoice in the truth of finding the Lord Jesus in pain and suffering. Joni's testimony is an inspiration that is beyond words.

I could tell that Joni was in a lot of pain. I am a 66 year old man and have been struggling with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome CRPS according to the McGill Pain Chart is the most painful disease known to medical science. The nerve pain that Joni mentioned sounds like some of the pain I have and have struggled with for 8 years. I just want to let Joni know that I cried for her and I prayed for her. She is a real Trooper of our faith. I look forward to meeting her someday in Heaven. I am in a nursing home because of CRPS going on 3 years now. I will be so happy when my time comes. Thank you Joni.Tony St. Louis Missouri.

Joni and I are the same age and I have followed her ministry all these years. Yet I have been on my feet living an independent life with all the experiences and activities that allowed me; hiking, skiing, racquetball, kayaking, and running. But now, in our 70's, her depth and rich relationship with Jesus is worth more than any experience my physical freedom allowed me. Thank you Joni for your faithfulness to Jesus which has meant so much to my life. See you in heaven where we will both see our Lord face to face.

I heard of her tragedy at the age 17 and I still believe that she has moved the mountains with her testimony !!

When I was 20 years old I took an extremely reckless dive off the roof of a two story apartment building into a very small swimming pool that had a maximum depth of 6 feet. By the Grace of God I cleared the bottom. When I became a Christian I repented of my arrogance. Of course I have a testimony of my own, but this is not the place to tell it. I am the same age as Joni. I never tire of hearing her encouragement. Thank you for reminding me to be grateful.

As I sit here in my Power Wheelchair 12 years now, I fully understand what she endures. God bless you.

I love Joni so much. I was blessed to meet her and sit with her and a mutual friend at an event many years ago. Joni was instrumental in giving me the courage to say yes to a life-saving surgery 37 years ago. I was familiar with her and her ministry ever since I was in high school. So when the neurosurgeon’s words were, you have a couple of weeks to live with no surgery or you'll be a complete quadriplegic on a respirator for life with surgery, I chose surgery. I prayed, "If You can use Joni in a wheelchair, then you can use me too." A miracle happened, and I have quadriparesis and breathe on my own. It's so much better than what they predicted, and I have stayed so grateful, that my disability has been easy to handle. The chronic, debilitating, excruciating pain has been hard. But all things are possible through Christ my Lord. My light and momentary afflictions are nothing compared to surpassing glory that is to come. I shout AMEN to every word Joni shared. Our mutual friend Tawana is now with Jesus. She had less mobility than Joni and weaned herself off a ventilator twice. She is incredible and we had planned to write a book together but God called her home 2 years ago. We spoke every week for an hour and encouraged one another, and I miss her spunky tenacity and absolute reliance on Jesus through everything that goes with being a quad. Thank you for having Joni on your show. Thank you, Joni, for sharing so authentically. One day, you, Tawana, and I will skip across heaven together.❤

I love Joni. God used her in our family’s life during one of the most difficult period of our lives, when my mom had cancer and died when we siblings were in our late teens and early twenties, AND we were all believers at that time (few months after becoming followers of Christ from being Buddhists since young). A Christian nurse gave us her music tape (pre-CD period) and we listened to it over and over again at the hospital. Her songs and story faith story really encouraged us to keep trusting Christ in the midst of our family’s ordeal and eventually the death of our mom just a few months later. Joni came to the Philippines that year for a music tour and I was privileged to watch her. After the show I went to the front and gave her assistant a Letter I’ve written her to Joni to tell her how her life and music has helped us). A few months later I was surprised to received a personal reply from her. That was almost 40 years ago. And I am glad to see her still faithfully following our savior and still serving the body of Christ through her life, message and songs. Thank you Joni.

I had the privilege of seeing Joni in NJ when I was in my twenties, I'm 70 now. She is such an inspiration to me. This morning, I woke up and my arthritis was giving me such pain and my ability to walk was hard. I was just about to complain, "Why me, Lord?" but before I did, I stopped and thought, "If Joni can put up with her suffering each day, then I can too, by the power of the Holy Spirit!" Then (as the Lord would have it and do a marvelous thing for me) I got onto RU-vid and saw this video with Joni. It is just what I needed. Thank you Lord for speaking again to me through Joni.

When I was 12, I developed chronic debilitating pain and a plethora of symptoms. I had zero answers until a little over a year ago when I found out I have Lyme disease, 7 years after the initial pain began. Lyme has caused much damage in my body, but I am full of gratitude for how God has 'used what He hates to accomplish what He loves'. He is overwhelmingly and abundantly GOOD -- even when life is not. While I do hope and pray for healing in this life, I wouldn't go back and change a thing about all that I've endured. All thanks be to Him, who keeps us away from the edge all the time.

There cannot be one dry eye for all those who listened to this interview. I look forward to replaying this for my mom who’s been in a skilled nursing facility for the past 7 years due to near death complications from a severe heat stroke. She weeps daily and laments for the life she previously had. Thank you for this interview and I will be purchasing Joni’s new book as well.

Oh how I love this woman! She is so real, so honest, so raw. She inspires me to keep putting one foot in front of the other despite my own endless physical pain and suffering. Thank you Lord for giving me Joni as a wonderful example of your grace and strength. Thank you that she inspires hope and endurance and encouragement.

I've followed Joni since her accident. We're about the same age. I've suffered from very painful fibromyalgia and all those symptoms with bed rest most days. I also lost my only daughter when she was 33. It's always encouraging to listen to Joni. Thank you

I am so deeply blessed to hear Joni today, I have chronic pain that is constant, and I wanted to so much to handle pain like Joni does. Everyday is full of tears and crying out to God. Thank you Joni for being real and open about the struggle of physical pain. Your life glorifies God in all your pain and encourages me so much!!

Dear Joni, I was greatly encouraged by your testimony! After suffering for 30 years from schizophrenia God has healed me from the symptoms of fear, depression and psychoses. I admire your perseverance despite the horrible pains you are going through! Greetings from the Netherlands, br. San

I have such an appreciation for my future home in heaven now that I have suffered many years with chronic pain. I am looking forward to it, and God wiping all tears from my eyes. Rev. 21:4

Joni came to my school in the 70’s. Her friend taught in Lansdowne MD. Joni is the person I look to when I think I can’t bare much more. It’s her joy in knowing Christ and her smile that God uses as well as her life lived for Christ in spite of tremendous suffering. I praise God for the way He has worked to reach millions through Joni.

I faced a huge battle with chronic pain starting in middle school and this wonderful lady's story gave me the courage to continue fighting ❤

I have multiple sclerosis,which can't compare to her. She is such a humble sweet woman. God bless her!❤

Bless you both. I often thought of Joni when after a medical instrument was left in me for a year resulted in nerve damage and an inability to sit without pain for 20 years. Being robbed of a career was awful but what was worse was not being able to rescue my children . But God eventually healed me and I believe that God is bringing my children out of the dark days too. Thank you.

Very humbling sitting here at my computer listening to a truly Godly woman like Joni! Thank you, Lord for all you do through her!

Thank you so much for having Joni on today. She encouraged me. I have Parkinson's and try to help others with Parkinson's and spread awareness. God is using me for His glory in the Parkinson's community. Bless you ❤️

Oh! You have Joni!!!!!! She was one of my first heroes, & I think of her almost daily, now that I've spent 30 years in bed or on a couch with illness. I've always felt so strongly that God helped prepare me for all of this, largely by bringing Joni first through her 1st book into my life, way back when I was maybe 10. What an incredible lady. We - my Mom and i- love her very much.

This woman safed my life too🙏🙏😃👍👍...and still does, because of her long suffering she helped me in my sufferings and pain. ..whatever!! I am German 🇩🇪and soo thankful and love all your books and give them away go others who need help, comfort.😅 Dear Joni, thank you for your faithfulness and obedience towards the Lord Jesus Christ.

I did a book report on Joni’s life in middle school and it has stayed with me now that I’m in my 30’s. Her life is incredible as is her artwork 🖼️

As a senior citizen facing the possibility of homelessness I still have a DEEP inner peace and sense of security knowing that Jesus Christ will never leave me nor forsake me. Therefore, no matter the outcome, I AM BLESSED!

I teared up. I suffer from Hashimoto’s (autoimmune disorder of the thyroid) and it’s really turned my life upside down. I’m a mom and a wife and I struggle so much being in those roles in what feels like fighting for my life everyday. Thank you for the reminders to lean into Gods strength.

Oh my two precious sisters in Jesus! One inspires me in my passion for apologetics; the other one inspires me in my constant, excruciating and chronic pain. God bless and thank you both!😍🥰❤️

Joni has been one of my spiritual giants from when I was a teenager, I even played her cassette tape over and over (we sang together often). Joni looks so beautiful and young, still an inspiring woman today, so many years later, thank you, Joni.xx

Joni has put courage in my heart for as long as I have walked with Jesus. She helps me to endure bravely and even cheerfully.

Thank you for this moment with a beautiful person, Joni Eareckson. The blessings are many from her example of faith and strength in the Love of Christ Jesus. She teaches us humility in being grateful for who we are in every circumstance and situation of our lives. In the beginning and the end; “God is Always Good”! God bless you for sharing the inspiration of Hope and Salvation … 🫶 Joy C.

Don't apologize for being raw. I have chronic pain to a much lesser degree and I to feel the sweetness of our Lord in the suffering. Very articulate and calming affirmation. Thank you.

The fact Joni apologized for taking a moment to collect herself as she honestly describes her pain humbles me greatly. No apology is never needed for that… yet she considers us and our feelings more than her own suffering. Dear lady… you are a champion for Christ unlike most.

I am just so ... beyond words after listening to Joni. When she said, "I welcome the pain because it's the gash through which more grace will pour into my life" I was so convicted, humbled and inspired. We all have struggles and pain, some temporary, some ongoing - would that we all walk in such grace and humility as Joni does.

Joni has always been an encouragement to me because of the transforming power of Jesus so clearly evident in her life. Her joy, love, and childlike deep trust in our Lord Jesus, despite the never-ending pain has always encouraged me. Thank you for clearly articulating the Gospel. (Also, your thoughtful “long” answers spoke deep in my heart.). I can’t wait for The Day when we can all dance and leap for joy and praise in the presence of our Savior, the King of kings.

This interview ministered to me so deeply. I hope many more Christians hear her story. I’m so sorry for Joni’s continual pain and suffering. I pray comfort over her in Jesus’ name. ❤

She is just such an incredible blessing to this world and to me. I listened to her testimony and speeches again and again when I was dealing with Perinatal and Postpartum Depression and Anxiety that was consuming my life and made me feel like I was going to suffocate and die every single day for months. Her quote on “If these are splashovers of hell, what’s a splashover of Heaven? It’s not in the easy breezy moments. No. That’s not a splashover of Heaven. But it’s in the moments when you find Jesus in your splashover of hell.” Oh man, now I’M crying just remembering the comfort of those words. 😅

ive got damage to my c7 vertebre due to a car crash and beatings from ex husband, i can move a little bit and im trying to stop complaining about this and the daily pain but when i see and hear dear joni, helps me with this ,she's such a wonderful sister in Christ and a great inspiration to us all,able bodied and not! 😢🙏

Joni's testimony always deepens my understanding of God's grace. Thank you Joni for your love for Him.

I have been serving God for 42 years now 50. I have L4/5 S1 dischernation by legs go numb suffer walking. Bedridden . But I will keep on . My painlevels is chronic. I will not give up. I feel you. Crying my eyes out.

My son Special needs went to her Joni and Friends Camp in Minnesota ..what a treat that was ❣️

Joni’s love for the Lord and the closeness of His presence is what makes her testimony so so powerful and inspiring.

Incredible ! I pray often for God to remove Joni’s pain for the duration of her life ...but in His sovereign wisdom He has allowed it to continue . What a deep understanding she has of pain and what an encouragement she is to us all .❤

This is so inspirational.Joni's attitude towards physical suffering has helped her to overcome walking by sight.Her faith in Christ has influenced me to increased my gratitude for God's goodness in my life.She has not only suffered for 50 years she is a servant of the Most High and has been victorious for 50 years.

I had to stop chopping broccoli for our dinner in the middle of this, that raw moment with Joni got me openly weeping. What an encouraging testimony from the middle of the fire.

I suffer from neuropathic pain for 7 years now . Many doctors have not been able to help . This pain is chronic feet pain -erythromelalgia, arthritis , fasciitis -both feet . Before this I was hiking small mountains with my husband . My hope is in the faithfulness of the Lord

My mom bought me Joni's cassette tapes when i was a little girl, and i would often fall asleep listening to them. Joni has had a HUGE impact on my walk with Jesus as a result. Thank you for making this interview available! God bless you both

When I saw who your guest was I grabbed the tissues before I started to watch it! She has been an inspiration to me for so many years and to see how God has used her throughout her life is such a testimony to all who hear it!

Hi Joni and Alisa, I suffer from the same pain illness than Joni and I can just confirm to what Joni said about finding God in a much deeper way than under my healthy days! Thank you , Joni for sharing. I call it the sweetness of suffering. ❤Mia

Joni's description of her viewpoint as she walks through this moment of pain is the closest personally intimate application of the command Jesus gave to, "... occupy until I come." Notice the picture of residence in the battle! Who does she reference but the three young Hebrew Boys in the fiery furnace? They were not passive observers - they occupied until the Lord came! Thank you, Alisha and Joni!

I have gotten through depression and very difficult times through the Word of God and Joni Eareckson's testimonies and books. Joni had an impact on my life at the age of 12 and 43 years later Joni still impacts me today and helps me in my Christian walk. Great interview! Bless you ladies. Brian Taylor Oceanside CA

This is unbelievably moving! And profound. Praise the Lord! Thank you Jesus for Joni and her testimony. What a gift she is to all of us!

I attended a John Piper Conference years ago, titled, “Suffering and the Sovereignty of God” and Joni spoke and said she plans on thanking Jesus for her wheelchair when she arrives in heaven because it was the tool God used to conform her into the image of Christ. 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 What a view of suffering!!!!!! The Lord used her words to lift up my countenance and carried me with such deep encouragement. Her sharing helped me so much as I was suffering through a very long trial and I have shared the RU-vid video of her talk with COUNTLESS dear friends in the midst of their suffering. I love you Joni I love you Alyssa One day we’ll rejoice together before his throne. 🎉❤

Joni has been an inspiration to me for a long time. I suffer from chronic illness and chronic pain. I have for over 30 years. It is not easy and some days my pain and limitations have me crying out to the Lord for an end to it. When I was first dx'd I asked God, "Why me?!!" I had a off and on relationship with Jesus then. I went into a depression and almost gave up. But through the years my illness and pain have caused me to draw closer and closer to Him. My relationship with Him now is so joyful and it's because of my health issues that this is so. I wouldn't trade that for perfect health and no pain. I actually thank Him now for my infirmities. Just as Paul said, His strength is made perfect in my weakness. Joni has helped me realize this. I can't wait for my glorified body, but I really can't wait for Joni to receive hers. Bless you both ❤

MY mom introduced me to Joni years ago, and she has always been such a " mentor" to me in my faith. I think my mom saw her in person a few times and she felt she was always blessed. Joni, you NEVER say too much. XOXOXOXO

We love❤ you so much Joni I had a stroke four years ago and God miraculously healed me and my emotions praying for your neck pain Joni you are such a mighty encouragement to us all a mighty inspiration of us all may God richly blessed you❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

She has saved many lives with her story, Amen 🙏

Joni and I are the same age. When I surrendered my life to Jesus in 1978 her story was one of the many first things that I read in my journey. It had a profound influence upon me in several areas of my walk. She has often run across my mind and prayers. How many mighty acts has she done from that chair? Just how many? I was so upset a few years ago when I heard she had cancer and my first thought was, "oh, why her!" Then, I thought, well, all that she has had to endure, that is probably just an inconvenience for her and I prayed for her during that time. What a blessing is the beautiful Joni. Your talk today will help me go into my pain with more appreciation and confidence. I also often "pray" the hymns that are in my heart. How can you not lean on Jesus while praying "When I survey the Wonderous Cross" or "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" or "Precious Name". Thank you , Joni . Blessed p

What a conversation! Thank you both. Thank you Joni for allowing us some insight into the depth of the pain that you experienced and continue to experience, and the depth of the impact of Jesus’ presence in all of that.

Thank you both for sharing your conversation with the world! I am inspired to be more grateful & learn to memorize scripture & hymns as Joni has. God Bless you both thank you so much!🙏🙏🙏

Joni is a true hero of the faith. She has blessed so many of us. Thank you. Keep up the good work !!

Joni, I am 56 years old and have followed your story from my early teens, after seeing the movie about your life and accident. You have been and are, such a BEAUTIFUL role model ! As a young woman, I thought what a beautiful light and life to follow. You are so talented, as beautiful inside as out. Truly, you are an Amazing and Inspirational Lady! I hope you know, just how many lives you have touched and how much you are loved in Christ. You are a Super Hero ! Thank You, for all you do and all you give! I know many times, it would be easier for you to just stay home or in bed, but no! You are continually giving, witnessing and giving God the glory. You are Loved !!!

No apology necessary, Joni! We appreciate “raw”. Thank you so much for giving us your time despite the pain 🤗❤️

In a life with suffering, we try to focus on the good, sometimes that is impossible. Joni inspires us to keep going ❤

Indeed a richly blessed conversation. May the LORD JESUS bless your staying close to HIM.

I had somehow missed this podcast episode but found it tonight. I truly believe that it was in God’s perfect timing. I have undergone over 150 brain and spine surgeries over the past 15 years and I have dealt with so many complications (infections, shunt malfunctions, seizures, collapsed ventricles, blindness at several points, brain bleeds, pulmonary embolisms, blood clots, etc.) that it has become a bit of a joke. All that to say that I am no stranger to pain and suffering. However, over the last 2 years, I have been dealing with some serious issues with my child and through it, I have pulled away from some aspects of my faith walk. My faith hasn’t budged but my time in the Word, my time in prayer, and my church attendance have definitely suffered. I am on disability because of all my medical issues so I do not work, which means that I have an endless amount of time to allow myself to think-and I am very analytical…and that is not a good thing in this situation. My child hasn’t been home for the majority of the last two years and the silence has become deafening. I spend the majority of my time doing whatever I can to distract myself so I can avoid having to sit with my thoughts (I have to keep my hands and my minds busy and distracted…so I will do something like playing a game online while listening to a podcast…which was what I was doing when I found this episode) because every time I have silence, everything hits so hard that it is overwhelming and I feel crushed by the weight of everything. I feel like I am drowning or suffocating and the pain is unbearable. Honestly, I think I have pulled away from my quiet time with God because of that. It isn’t that I don’t want to spend time with Him but every time I do, I can’t concentrate and everything hits again. Listening to this episode and hearing Joni talk about suffering and hearing her perspective on how she faces it, even when everything in her (and in all of us when faced with suffering) tells her to avoid it, but she remembers what God says about suffering, its purposes, and how we ought to view it, then she faces it head on…with joy. That was very convicting since I have been a coward and wanted to hide from the pain. This pain has been the worst, most sustaining pain I have ever felt. I have jokingly (at least partially) said that I would go through all of the surgeries, complications, etc. 100 times over if I could skip over what I am currently dealing with. When something happens with your child and there is nothing you can do to avoid it, to fix it, or to lessen it, that is one of the worst feelings in the world. There is nothing worse than watching your child suffer. I do think part of me has secretly (not so secret now, I guess) been angry at God, too, though I hadn’t actually thought about it before now. However, Joni was correct about how we have no right to believe we won’t or we shouldn’t have to suffer. And, the ridiculous part for me is that I DO know all the amazing blessings that can happen when we face that suffering and we allow God to work in and through our suffering. Yet, I have been cowering from the pain, nonetheless. I think it is because it is one thing when it personally affects me but it is another story entirely when it affects someone else-especially your child. But, the truth is that nothing I have gone through has only affected me…just as how what is going on with my child affects far more than just them. I can’t thank Joni or Alisa Childers enough for their conversation. I have been thoroughly convicted about my response to my current situation…you have pierced my conscience, broken through my current circumstances, and managed to remind me of what I already know but had managed to ignore (or was blinded to in my pain). God bless them both!

I have read the book about Joni's life in my 20's.. 30 yrs down the line to hear from Joni was amazing. Her closeness to Jesus in her suffering is marvelous. It has left me feeling ashamed for being ungrateful. My dad was bed ridden and aphasic for 15 years before he passed away. I have learnt a lot from his suffering too.

Beautiful. I'm not sure she will ever understand the impact of her testimony ❤

Wanted to say i adore how you screamed out scripture, that is precious and priceless!! HALLELUYAH i have done a bit of that myself, i akso thank Yahusha in the midst of pain when i cant think,fir diwnliading and re downloading, that the keys are in the door so that i can keep moving forward and not retracing steps that create more pain! My pain cannot compare to yours, yet brings me to my knees thanking Him,for how He steps in and moves me and trains me in compassion! I rwfuse to buckle,Yah moves me to keep helping people and pushing through! To Yah be the Glory 🎉😅HALLELUYAH

I have been suffering with vertigo for the past 4 years and on my most difficult days, I put on one of Joni's videos and the Lord ministers to me and brings me through the tough time! She is so inspirational!

I haven't watched yet just clicked this video i know jesus led me yrs ago to joni to teach me how to learn to surrender to jesus n when im in so much pain like unbearable 💔 i turn to jesus n joni for hope n try everything to take my mind in a different place 🙏🏿

It's about 40yrs I first read the story of Joni I just love to read every time I see it. I have suffered a lot of pain in different parts of my body for years Joni's experiences has been my strength. I am 73yrs old still having some of the pains but I am enjoying every day in the joy of the LORD JESUS because of the hope of a NEW BODY. PRAISE GOD. 🙌🙏♥️😊📖🌅🌄

Thank you for blessing me with this interview with Joni, as I deal with my own day to day physical pain. May God bless you and Joni. ❤️🙏🏼

It breaks my heart how much Joni suffers but she is such a spiritual inspiration to so many.

I saw Joni's RU-vid channel and mentioned it to my mum a while back. After describing her briefly (but not recalling her name) my mum suddenly asked if I was referring to Joni Eareckson Tada! Turns out she'd bought Joni's first book back in the 70s and was really impacted by her writing, I borrowed it recently and it really is a fantastic, emotional read. Thanks Joni for sharing your experience all these years and thanks Alisa for your work as always!

Joni's testimony brings tears to my eyes...... I can relate although my pain and struggle is different in ways. God bless you both for the inspiration from God Almighty

I've thought her amazing since I first read her story. And an amazing display of God using someone for his work.

Joni Eareckson Tada is awesome, I first started hearing her speak was on 90.9 in the early 90's not long after Jesus saved me, she would coke on the radio at 6:30 am, for my trio to work.

Joni, if there was anyone in my lifetime that I would love to meet in person it’s you. You have been one of the most inspiring people I have known. I too first heard your story when I was a teenager. When I was a young mother I suffered with severe back issues and then I discovered a devotional you had on your website that was so encouraging to me. You taught me how I could experience that peace that passes all understanding and contentment amidst my pain. You showed me the beauty of Jesus Christ. What a blessing you are. I may never meet you here on earth but look forward to meeting you someday in when we are with our Lord and Saviour. ❤ Thank you for sharing your story again. It’s beautiful. 💞

I was touched after seeing this program.I read your book that you wrote a long time ago telling your story.I always remembered you since then .you inspire me with your faith .God Bless you Joni.😅

Such an amazing Jesus centered talk. Joni is an amazing women and a wonderful encouragement! Thank you, Alisa ♥️

I’ve known of Joni ever since her accident snd book Joni and her speaking at Billy Graham crusades and books she’s written. Now at 67 with hearing aids and macular degeneration so young and thumb pain in hands from overuse at 32 years of clerical work her testimony speaks often to my soul. Her tenacity and fortitude in marching on with Christ and for Christ and in Christ reverberates gently to my heart and mind. What a testimony of the love of God, Grace of Jesus and the communion of the Holy Spirit. And scripture is hid in her heart and soul.

Joni and her husband Ken are such a precious team and are often in my prayers. Like others have mentioned, this interview brought me to tears. God bless and sustain this dear saint.

Oh my goodness this video isn't even over yet, but i want to comment right away.. oh NO apologies at all dear Joni!! You being raw and real mean so much to me. I too deal with chronic pain, have had fibromayalgia since 2003, hand pain due to erosive osteoarthritis, plus autoimmune illnesses. I am now 58 1/2 & have been a born-again Christian since 1980. So I've known of your accident, read your autobiography, saw the movie, love your artwork and marveled at how Joni & Friends has grown and spread all over the world through wheelchairs being supplied to those who need them. Thanks for being so articulate even through severe pain about the gashes affliction and pain cause in us through which God's grace and love flow. I needed to hear that so much. The worst pain ever of my life hasn't even been physical though. My beloved youngest adult child William passed away so so suddenly 3/22/21 in his sleep at only age 27. His history of chronic obstructive sleep apnea, undiagnosed heart problems took him away. He loved Jesus and was a Christian, i know he's with Jesus... that's my "hottest " fiery furnace of all. Thanks so much for your perspective on Daniel 3, meeting God & Jesus in the flames that He allows in our lives. God bless you Joni and Alissa!!

God Bless you Joni 💞🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻✝️🙌🏻 Thank you Joni and Alisa for this encouragement 💞💞✝️✝️🙌🏻🙌🏻🔥🔥🔥 Forgive me Christ Jesus for my own lack of being joyful and grateful. Prayers 💞🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💞✝️🙌🏻🔥

8 minutes in and Joni exalts God and His Christ with a resounding and simple explanation of the truth of why God allows suffering in a fallen world.

What a blessing! Joni you have helped me find peace and joy in my chronic pain struggles. Thank you for sharing so others, like, me can be encouraged. God Bless you!🙏🥰

Jesus opened His arms to us while enduring the pain of the cross. Those same arms of understanding enfold us when we reach out to Jesus to hold us in our pain.

Trank you so much for this conversation! Blessings from Germany!❤

The sweetest name I know. JESUS!!! What a beautiful Savior/Redeemer. Peace be with you!

This conversation is so deep and beautiful. Joanie is a living saint!! I'm weeping for joy. ♥️

We are deeply touched by Joni’s long and raw answer! It is good to put things into perspective. Having had breast cancer started me on that journey and in fits and starts I walk and sometimes fail in this, then I think of what Christ suffered on my and our behalf and do another adjustment.

During my high school years, I heard Joni Eareckson in person (through Young Life) and later read her book, "Joni". WOW. Her powerful story and commitment to Jesus changed my life as a teenager and continues to inspire me nearly 50 years later. She has allowed God to use her life story, amazing art, spiritual wisdom and life-long advocacy in unbelievable ways. I'm so grateful to the Lord for you, Joni Eareckson Tada! 💕And thank you, Alisa, for this important conversation.✴MLK

Wow!!! What a gift this conversation was!!!!

Such pure loving communication between these 2 Christian ladies....sharing the love of Christ...