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The God I Love: A Lifetime of Walking with Jesus
A little girl on a big horse, cantering across a spring-green pasture . . . wide-eyed children gathered 'round a beach fire, listening to a father's stories of the high seas . . . an expansive, you-can-see-forever view from the top of Pike's Peak . . . another view from a Stryker frame, where an active young woman learns she will never walk again . . . heading down a church aisle to marry the man she loves . . . looking into the eyes of a child in a wheelchair, and seeing the family God has prepared for a loving heart . . . sitting by the pool of Bethesda, reflecting on the miracle of healing God has performed in her heart . . . The God I Love brings to life these and many other moments. It offers an eternal perspective from a woman in a wheelchair who affirms that the God she knows and loves is the center, the peacemaker, the passport to adventure, the joy ride, and the answer to her deepest longings. Raised in an active, adventurous family, Joni Eareckson Tada worked hard and played hard to keep up with her older sisters and athletic father--until one day a diving accident left her a quadriplegic. But the tragedy that could have ended her life was in reality the beginning of an amazing, constantly unfolding story of grace that has touched the lives of millions worldwide and brought Joni unexpected joy and fulfillment. In this book, Joni unveils the God whom she has found to be faithful through over thirty years as a paralytic. This is not the story of a woman who has all the answers or who is very different from you. Joni struggles with the same fears, questions, and heartaches we all have in common. But as the weeks and months turn into years, and the years into decades, she meets her Savior at every turn. In this book, you'll discover that he is there for you as well, no matter what your circumstance or situation may be. Written with beauty, feeling, and amazing honesty, The God I Love captures the heart and soul of one woman's powerful, deeply personal journey of hope. It is a sojourn from a naïve child's belief to a tempered faith that transforms and transcends personal tragedy, bringing light to the darkest places and good out of the most difficult situations, and offering glimpses of the glory that awaits God's children.
368 pages, Paperback
First published July 11, 2003
78 people are currently reading
1025 people want to read
About the author
Joni Eareckson Tada
323 books549 followersJoni Eareckson Tada is an American evangelical Christian author, radio host, artist, and founder of Joni and Friends, an organization "accelerating Christian ministry in the disability community".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
April 20, 2022
Fantastic book. So inspiring, uplifting, motivating, lovely, interesting, and just fantastic!
April 17, 2017
This isn't Joni Eareckson Tada's first autobiography. It differs from Joni in that it explores more of her life before and after the diving accident and paralysis. One gets a better picture of her childhood, her family, her hobbies and interests, the times in which she lived, her faith and culture. One also gets a better picture of her faith and ministry after the accident. (Though her accident was no accident, but a work of God's providence.) Joni was published in 1976. So much has happened SINCE the publication of that book. Her marriage, her ministry, her mission trips, her public fight for the rights of the disabled, just to name a few! So even if you've read Joni, you don't know the whole story.
The God I Love, I noticed is almost a love letter to her father and mother--a big thank you. But above all, the focus is on God himself.
Favorite quotes:
“Just make sure you keep pointing people to the Bible,” he finally offered. “Your life story can’t change anyone, but God’s Word can.”
The truly handicapped among us are those who start their mornings on automatic cruise control, without needing God. But he gives strength to all who cry to him for help. So, who are the weak and needy? Who are those who need his help?” A brief pause in the dark shadow of recent events always allowed the point to come home. “It’s you. It’s me.”
The God I Love, I noticed is almost a love letter to her father and mother--a big thank you. But above all, the focus is on God himself.
Favorite quotes:
“Just make sure you keep pointing people to the Bible,” he finally offered. “Your life story can’t change anyone, but God’s Word can.”
The truly handicapped among us are those who start their mornings on automatic cruise control, without needing God. But he gives strength to all who cry to him for help. So, who are the weak and needy? Who are those who need his help?” A brief pause in the dark shadow of recent events always allowed the point to come home. “It’s you. It’s me.”
August 4, 2010
This is a life changing book. This is the story of Joni Eareckson Tada's walk with God and the development of her relationship with Him, starting with her earliest childhood memories. Joni has suffered in ways that most of us cannot imagine and God has used this suffering to show Himself to her in ways that a lot of us have never seen. One of the running themes in this book is that those who lean on God the hardest find out His strength and love in the deepest ways. God shines through Joni's life brilliantly; her humility allows Him to receive great glory. She readily admits her failures and faults and her need for God, and this gives so much more power to her message than if she had it all "put together."
Lately I have been struggling with the "whys" of suffering in my own life. This book has offered new perspective and hope. It has made me desire God more and trust in His goodness more. I needed to read this book.
Lately I have been struggling with the "whys" of suffering in my own life. This book has offered new perspective and hope. It has made me desire God more and trust in His goodness more. I needed to read this book.
June 26, 2017
Long, but definitely worth it! The spiritual truths Joni learns through her childhood, tragedy and acceptance of her life as a quadriplegic are so powerful and she shares them in such a beautiful way. I learned so much about the Father's care and comfort by listening to Joni honestly share about her trial.
June 28, 2023
I listened to the audio book, which was read by Joni, it was intriguing and the main thing I learned from it is that even if something catastrophic happens, God is still g.o.o.d. With my own future being so unknown, this book came at a good time.
February 4, 2023
I LISTENED to this beautiful story on audible and hearing it read/told by Joni in her own voice added so much more beauty and depth and meaning. There are many song snippets throughout and she sings them beautifully. Highly suggest listening!
This book has been balm to my soul. Someone in her life early on after becoming a paraplegic told her, “keep pointing people to Gods story. Your story won’t save anyone”. Though most of us have not become paraplegics at a young age- we all have sufferings and dark providence’s that we wrestle to trust the Lord with and through. Joni’s journey, with highs and very low lows, is faithful to make much of God. She does not hide the ugly hard times of doubt and fear and anger. But slowly, over a lifetime, you see the beautiful work the Lord has done- and indeed her story is only a platform for Gods story to be magnified.
This book has been balm to my soul. Someone in her life early on after becoming a paraplegic told her, “keep pointing people to Gods story. Your story won’t save anyone”. Though most of us have not become paraplegics at a young age- we all have sufferings and dark providence’s that we wrestle to trust the Lord with and through. Joni’s journey, with highs and very low lows, is faithful to make much of God. She does not hide the ugly hard times of doubt and fear and anger. But slowly, over a lifetime, you see the beautiful work the Lord has done- and indeed her story is only a platform for Gods story to be magnified.
August 11, 2014
I was delighted to discover this updated autobiography of Joni for a couple of reasons. First, I remember enjoying her original book, JONI years ago (1976) when it came out. Secondly, I was eager to read her story again because recently I've bumped into very strong antagonism toward her testimony.
Having myself admired her strong faith in the face of quadriplegia I was surprised to hear her accused of undermining the faith of those with similar conditions. It seems that her outspoken testimony to God's grace in the midst of suffering has been construed to be a stumbling stone to faith for healing in those who are touched by her ministry. In other words, since she didn't experience healing, it would have been better for her to have kept silent than to create a ministry to disabled persons! Really?!
What has happened to a well-reasoned, Biblical doctrine of suffering as part of the Christian life?
Anyway, with that background in mind I read with especial interest this new memoir of Joni's, curious as to her thoughts on healing. Had she sought it for herself? And how did she come to terms with not being healed?
Her beautifully woven story lingers long on her happy childhood prior to the accident, painting idyllic pictures of family camping trips, hymn sings around the campfire, and of her father's memorable storytelling. It describes an athletic, even daredevil, Joni who rode and showed horses, swam, and ran competitively and loved to play piano and draw. But it also tells with candid humility and perceptiveness of her inner longings and struggles growing up, of finding a tangible relationship with God and of the disconcerting reality of having a rebellious bent still.
Then at age 17, a daring dive left her paralyzed from the shoulders down. She doesn't belabor the gritty details of her recovery nor does she hide the dark depressing moments. But having the perspective of time and maturity she is able to look back and highlight the poignant moments when God came near in one way or another. It is a beautiful story of being drawn from bitterness to acceptance and then beyond to actually seeing her 'accident' as a blessing in disguise. (And yes, I should insert, she did seek healing, even attending a Kathryn Kuhlman crusade, and she did grapple with a Biblical understanding of healing, but it is almost an aside to her story). This volume extends her earlier story to describe how God took her, wheelchair and all, and gave her incredible opportunities to share Him with the world, including the founding of Joni and Friends, a ministry focused on bringing the Gospel tangibly to those who suffer with disabilities.
But this is no dry recounting of some vague 'ministry years'. Joni's love of life exudes from its pages. She came to see her wheelchair as her ticket to adventure because of all the opportunities it gave her. I love this memoir for its personal and candid tone. Joni never speaks from a pedestal of easy victory, but takes the reader through her own thoughts and struggles as she processes the deaths of each of her parents, and months and years of physical pain (no, paralysis doesn't imply life will be pain-free). She shares her delights too, among them marriage, but most of all finding that yes, God has given her the real desire of her heart—He has given her Himself. Her wise and joyful memoir is a rare treasure in our times, when blessings are often equated with physical comfort and well-being. It is a testimony to the reality that God often permits things he hates in order to bring about something more important that He really loves. Joni's conclusion: "…yes—There are more important things in life than walking."
I highly recommend The God I Love to anyone grappling with disappointment, pain, or 'unanswered' prayer, or just desiring to perceive God's love in a greater way. It will point you to the God who may not rescue us from our circumstances in the way we had hoped but whose love will ultimately prove far greater than we could have imagined!
--LS
May God strengthen our hearts to know this love, that we "may be able to comprehend with all saints what [is] the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Eph.3:18,19
--------------------------
And here's a sampling of Joni's thoughts…
"Even paralyzed people can walk with the Lord." p221
"The truth was, I knew I would always struggle—I would always feel weak and needy of God. and that was okay. It was supposed to be that way. I was supposed to be dependent on him." p225
"For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake." Phil.1:21
"Each mile I put between the past and the future in your hand, I learn more of your providence and I find out who I am." p240
"Our eyes met, and --it was amazing—from that point, everything changed. How I looked no longer mattered. No longer did I feel ugly or unworthy. The love in Ken's eyes washed it all away. I was the pure and perfect bride—his bride. That's what he saw, and that's what changed me." p252
"One day…all the stains of earthly life will be purified away, just by one look from God's eyes. We'll be transformed forever by his gaze upon us…It will be more than I ever dreamed of, more than I ever longed for." p253
"[God] permits what he hates so that his power can show up in people like you and me." p263
Having myself admired her strong faith in the face of quadriplegia I was surprised to hear her accused of undermining the faith of those with similar conditions. It seems that her outspoken testimony to God's grace in the midst of suffering has been construed to be a stumbling stone to faith for healing in those who are touched by her ministry. In other words, since she didn't experience healing, it would have been better for her to have kept silent than to create a ministry to disabled persons! Really?!
What has happened to a well-reasoned, Biblical doctrine of suffering as part of the Christian life?
Anyway, with that background in mind I read with especial interest this new memoir of Joni's, curious as to her thoughts on healing. Had she sought it for herself? And how did she come to terms with not being healed?
Her beautifully woven story lingers long on her happy childhood prior to the accident, painting idyllic pictures of family camping trips, hymn sings around the campfire, and of her father's memorable storytelling. It describes an athletic, even daredevil, Joni who rode and showed horses, swam, and ran competitively and loved to play piano and draw. But it also tells with candid humility and perceptiveness of her inner longings and struggles growing up, of finding a tangible relationship with God and of the disconcerting reality of having a rebellious bent still.
Then at age 17, a daring dive left her paralyzed from the shoulders down. She doesn't belabor the gritty details of her recovery nor does she hide the dark depressing moments. But having the perspective of time and maturity she is able to look back and highlight the poignant moments when God came near in one way or another. It is a beautiful story of being drawn from bitterness to acceptance and then beyond to actually seeing her 'accident' as a blessing in disguise. (And yes, I should insert, she did seek healing, even attending a Kathryn Kuhlman crusade, and she did grapple with a Biblical understanding of healing, but it is almost an aside to her story). This volume extends her earlier story to describe how God took her, wheelchair and all, and gave her incredible opportunities to share Him with the world, including the founding of Joni and Friends, a ministry focused on bringing the Gospel tangibly to those who suffer with disabilities.
But this is no dry recounting of some vague 'ministry years'. Joni's love of life exudes from its pages. She came to see her wheelchair as her ticket to adventure because of all the opportunities it gave her. I love this memoir for its personal and candid tone. Joni never speaks from a pedestal of easy victory, but takes the reader through her own thoughts and struggles as she processes the deaths of each of her parents, and months and years of physical pain (no, paralysis doesn't imply life will be pain-free). She shares her delights too, among them marriage, but most of all finding that yes, God has given her the real desire of her heart—He has given her Himself. Her wise and joyful memoir is a rare treasure in our times, when blessings are often equated with physical comfort and well-being. It is a testimony to the reality that God often permits things he hates in order to bring about something more important that He really loves. Joni's conclusion: "…yes—There are more important things in life than walking."
I highly recommend The God I Love to anyone grappling with disappointment, pain, or 'unanswered' prayer, or just desiring to perceive God's love in a greater way. It will point you to the God who may not rescue us from our circumstances in the way we had hoped but whose love will ultimately prove far greater than we could have imagined!
--LS
May God strengthen our hearts to know this love, that we "may be able to comprehend with all saints what [is] the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Eph.3:18,19
--------------------------
And here's a sampling of Joni's thoughts…
"Even paralyzed people can walk with the Lord." p221
"The truth was, I knew I would always struggle—I would always feel weak and needy of God. and that was okay. It was supposed to be that way. I was supposed to be dependent on him." p225
"For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake." Phil.1:21
"Each mile I put between the past and the future in your hand, I learn more of your providence and I find out who I am." p240
"Our eyes met, and --it was amazing—from that point, everything changed. How I looked no longer mattered. No longer did I feel ugly or unworthy. The love in Ken's eyes washed it all away. I was the pure and perfect bride—his bride. That's what he saw, and that's what changed me." p252
"One day…all the stains of earthly life will be purified away, just by one look from God's eyes. We'll be transformed forever by his gaze upon us…It will be more than I ever dreamed of, more than I ever longed for." p253
"[God] permits what he hates so that his power can show up in people like you and me." p263
July 27, 2025
Beautiful. 😭 This is a more comprehensive autobiography than her famous “Joni” memoir. I loved reading about Joni’s upbringing. Wonderfully written and nostalgic. Real, honest, and inspiring. 🩷
“He [God] kept closing doors so we would find the open window. And always, the window had a much, much better view.”
“…the weaker we are, the harder we must lean on God—and the harder we lean on him, the stronger we discover him to be.”
“The truly handicapped among us are those who start their mornings on automatic cruise control, without needing God.”
“There are more important things in life than walking.”
“He [God] kept closing doors so we would find the open window. And always, the window had a much, much better view.”
“…the weaker we are, the harder we must lean on God—and the harder we lean on him, the stronger we discover him to be.”
“The truly handicapped among us are those who start their mornings on automatic cruise control, without needing God.”
“There are more important things in life than walking.”
November 15, 2022
Joni Eareckson Tada has been one of my heroes since I first read about her when I was a preteen. So when my mom recommended this book to me, of course I wanted to read it! I ended up with the audio, which is charmingly read by Tada herself. She has a personable and skillful storytelling voice.
At first, I found the memories of her early childhood rather meandering and was even tempted to think they were self-indulgent. She spends a lot of time chatting about memories of camping trips, hymns they sang, family legends, etc. If this is you, please stick with it. Many of these memories end up having relevance to things later on in life. If nothing else, they really give you a flavor of the family and the person you'll be spending a long time with in this book.
By the end of the audiobook, I was extremely challenged and edified. I kept having to whip out my phone to jot down notes in my Notes app. Here are a few of my "pickings" from the notes I took:
-Be more consumed with God's thoughts of me than of my thoughts of God
-You can't embrace your affliction. But you can embrace Him. And as you embrace Him, you can't help but love His will.
-Point people to the Bible. Your life story can't change people's hearts, but God's Word can.
-"I was not desperate for God back then. I was desperate for answers."
-Paraphrase, I believe: Suffering had shown me what I was made of. And it was not pretty.
-Death as both a taste of judgment, the wages of sin, and hell, as well as the birth pangs into new life. Death makes us all sit up and take notice so that we have to ask the question: "What have we done with Jesus?" 5 minutes of heaven will more than make up for all the suffering here.
-How can anyone face the past without some sure hope of the future?
-Her wheelchair is her "passport to adventure"--difficult circumstances opening up new paths and horizons unavailable to you before
-Her suffering as her sheepdog driving her relentlessly to safety, in Christ
This memoir is a powerful testimony full of more powerful testimonies. Tada is not afraid to ask the very hardest questions and to take you along with her to the joyful embrace of the fact that God is more than enough.
At first, I found the memories of her early childhood rather meandering and was even tempted to think they were self-indulgent. She spends a lot of time chatting about memories of camping trips, hymns they sang, family legends, etc. If this is you, please stick with it. Many of these memories end up having relevance to things later on in life. If nothing else, they really give you a flavor of the family and the person you'll be spending a long time with in this book.
By the end of the audiobook, I was extremely challenged and edified. I kept having to whip out my phone to jot down notes in my Notes app. Here are a few of my "pickings" from the notes I took:
-Be more consumed with God's thoughts of me than of my thoughts of God
-You can't embrace your affliction. But you can embrace Him. And as you embrace Him, you can't help but love His will.
-Point people to the Bible. Your life story can't change people's hearts, but God's Word can.
-"I was not desperate for God back then. I was desperate for answers."
-Paraphrase, I believe: Suffering had shown me what I was made of. And it was not pretty.
-Death as both a taste of judgment, the wages of sin, and hell, as well as the birth pangs into new life. Death makes us all sit up and take notice so that we have to ask the question: "What have we done with Jesus?" 5 minutes of heaven will more than make up for all the suffering here.
-How can anyone face the past without some sure hope of the future?
-Her wheelchair is her "passport to adventure"--difficult circumstances opening up new paths and horizons unavailable to you before
-Her suffering as her sheepdog driving her relentlessly to safety, in Christ
This memoir is a powerful testimony full of more powerful testimonies. Tada is not afraid to ask the very hardest questions and to take you along with her to the joyful embrace of the fact that God is more than enough.
December 20, 2013
I thought I knew Joni's story about the diving accident when she was 17 that put her in a wheelchair for life. But I never knew about the first 17 years of her life.
Joni is so open as she shares about her life growing up in a Christian family, loving horses and having an active life. I have reached the part in the book where she is 14 and just discovered the difference between knowing God in her mind and REALLY knowing Him in her HEART!! She is genuine and honest about her thoughts and feelings concerning her life. Her descriptions help paint beautiful pictures in my mind of what her life was like before the accident. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the book.
I can highly recommend this book.
Joni is so open as she shares about her life growing up in a Christian family, loving horses and having an active life. I have reached the part in the book where she is 14 and just discovered the difference between knowing God in her mind and REALLY knowing Him in her HEART!! She is genuine and honest about her thoughts and feelings concerning her life. Her descriptions help paint beautiful pictures in my mind of what her life was like before the accident. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the book.
I can highly recommend this book.
March 25, 2019
This book by Joni Eareckson Tada seemed to lack the depth that her other books possessed and I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as her "Joni & Ken; A Love Story".
January 7, 2024
What a powerful and beautiful memoir of Joni! My life is forever impacted by her story and how she has seen God’s faithfulness in her life and ministry. I absolutely love how she sings all throughout this audiobook, she has such a beautiful voice and the songs and stories she shares are inspiring and they moved me to tears all throughout the month of me listening to her share. I love her transparency and vulnerability and how she boasts in her weakness so God can be glorified!!
Also, this quote from the book spoke to me so amazingly and I have to share it: “The God Ken and I were growing to love more and more was a paradox, He kept closing doors so we could find the open window and always always the window had a much much better view.”
Also, this quote from the book spoke to me so amazingly and I have to share it: “The God Ken and I were growing to love more and more was a paradox, He kept closing doors so we could find the open window and always always the window had a much much better view.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2024
Ms. Joni using her accident as such a beautiful ministry for the LORD (both "Joni and Friends" and "Wheels for the World" as well as her many books and times sharing her testimony) is very encouraging and convicting. As it has with so many other people, her story drives me and encourages me in my personal trials. This was a big book and that shows she did so much. Cannot wait to read more from this amazing woman. :)
May 19, 2025
I feel bad for rating this book so low because Joni is SUCH an incredible woman of God! It took a very long time for me to get through- I would be totally invested and then bored over and over again. I am so inspired by Joni’s faith and trust in God throughout her life and am overall happy I finished this book!
April 5, 2024
I listened to this audiobook, which Joni reads. It’s an incredible telling of her life. I grew up knowing the story of her accident, and learning more about her ministry and faith was a blessing. I highly recommend this audiobook.
June 17, 2024
Wow. Joni is a woman with an incredible capacity to view suffering as the pathway to nearness with Christ. She’s funny, vulnerable, and compelling. Her final story of visiting the pool of Bethesda was worth the whole read.
June 21, 2021
I read "Joni" as a teenager but this is from an older, wiser perspective after Joni has lived more of her life (including marriage) and worked many years in ministry. She continually points to the God she loves who has always been faithful.
I enjoyed listening to the audiobook read by Joni herself.
2021 A book by a female Christian author
I enjoyed listening to the audiobook read by Joni herself.
2021 A book by a female Christian author
March 11, 2023
Excellent book!
October 29, 2022
I’ve been on a roll this year of reading some incredible books! This one though, is decidedly my favorite book of the year. As I was reading it, I kept thinking, ‘this is one of the best books I’ve ever read.’
I’ve known who Joni was, but now I feel like I know her heart. She is so relatable and honest about both her struggles and about her victories in Christ. I’d love to be her friend, and someday, I think we will be.
Joni is such a gifted storyteller-like her dad! I was drawn in from the first page!
I also must record that I cried in this book. It’s a rare thing for me, even if I’m deeply moved by a book. But this one got me good when Joni described her wedding to Ken. Her feelings of total unworthiness-until she caught sight of Ken, and the love in his eyes erased all of that. And she compared it to when we as the bride of Christ, will meet His eyes, and be transformed by His love. It’s getting to me again just thinking about it!
How to pick a favorite quote from this book? There were so many. A couple I want to remember…
“Suffering had, once again, revealed the stuff of which I was made—and once again it was not pretty. I fell apart when it pushed me past my limits. I panicked when it gave me more than I could bear. But I knew it was all so that I would lean on Him and Him alone. It was all that I might be convinced that He IS enough—and that I might not be afraid. ‘Lord, one thing is for certain: I can no longer be confident of my love for you—but I AM confident in your love for me.’”
“The weaker we are, the harder we must lean on God—and the harder we lean on Him, the stronger we discover Him to be.”
I’ve known who Joni was, but now I feel like I know her heart. She is so relatable and honest about both her struggles and about her victories in Christ. I’d love to be her friend, and someday, I think we will be.
Joni is such a gifted storyteller-like her dad! I was drawn in from the first page!
I also must record that I cried in this book. It’s a rare thing for me, even if I’m deeply moved by a book. But this one got me good when Joni described her wedding to Ken. Her feelings of total unworthiness-until she caught sight of Ken, and the love in his eyes erased all of that. And she compared it to when we as the bride of Christ, will meet His eyes, and be transformed by His love. It’s getting to me again just thinking about it!
How to pick a favorite quote from this book? There were so many. A couple I want to remember…
“Suffering had, once again, revealed the stuff of which I was made—and once again it was not pretty. I fell apart when it pushed me past my limits. I panicked when it gave me more than I could bear. But I knew it was all so that I would lean on Him and Him alone. It was all that I might be convinced that He IS enough—and that I might not be afraid. ‘Lord, one thing is for certain: I can no longer be confident of my love for you—but I AM confident in your love for me.’”
“The weaker we are, the harder we must lean on God—and the harder we lean on Him, the stronger we discover Him to be.”
December 25, 2012
A wonderful, inspiring testimony to every one of us.
I was simply awed to read how Joni's decision to trust the Lord, despite what looked to be the end of happiness and meaning in her life, transformed her future into something so eternally significant not just for herself but for thousands of others. She could have chosen to be bitter and angry. She could have turned her back on God in anger for what happened to her... but she didn't, and thank God for that.
Her story, which I'd read before in her first book, and all the deep details written out in this more thorough version, made me reflect on my own life and how I wish I'd made different decisions in the more critical moments of my life. I wish I'd lived as Joni did when things went terribly 'wrong' for me. Then again, as long as there is breath in my lungs I can still live for fully for Jesus. This book renewed my outlook and my hope for my own life.
I would HIGHLY recommend reading "The God I Love". It is well written, interesting, encouraging, and inspiring. I couldn't put it down.
I was simply awed to read how Joni's decision to trust the Lord, despite what looked to be the end of happiness and meaning in her life, transformed her future into something so eternally significant not just for herself but for thousands of others. She could have chosen to be bitter and angry. She could have turned her back on God in anger for what happened to her... but she didn't, and thank God for that.
Her story, which I'd read before in her first book, and all the deep details written out in this more thorough version, made me reflect on my own life and how I wish I'd made different decisions in the more critical moments of my life. I wish I'd lived as Joni did when things went terribly 'wrong' for me. Then again, as long as there is breath in my lungs I can still live for fully for Jesus. This book renewed my outlook and my hope for my own life.
I would HIGHLY recommend reading "The God I Love". It is well written, interesting, encouraging, and inspiring. I couldn't put it down.
February 21, 2012
Joni Eareckson Tada has long been one of my spiritual heroes, beginning not long after her lifestory was published in Joni, both the book and the movie. She is honest, transparent, and vulnerable in this memoir as she reveals a rather idyllic life before her diving accident at age 19, and then shares her doubt and questions about the life that she will live afterwards. When someone has walked through hardship and suffering the way she has, I listen. God is very real to her--and what she shares includes both the despair and hope that she has experienced. Her wheelchair has been the caused for great adventure. She reveals her dreams for marriage and children, desires for living a life of significance, anguish over unexplained pain, joy at expanding her family through Wheels for the World--and so much more! In the midst of every trial she turns her eyes upon Jesus! What a challenge and encouragement to my faith!
May 2, 2015
Joni is a fantastic and gifted writer. I have loved every book of hers that I own. At first, I thought I would be bored with this one as it is a memoir but I was soon to discover that I was wrong. She begins with her childhood and continues with growing into her teens, the diving accident that left her a quadriplegic, and the many years of trying to accept this reality.
Joni and her family were extremely active people, loving outdoors, horses, camping, sports and competition. To have this tragedy happen to Joni is heartbreaking. It is a touching and heartfelt story of how Joni lived - no - lives her life and has traveled the world, literaly, for the Lord. Her Wheels for the World program is providing wheelchairs for poverty stricken children. Her Joni and Friends Organization is worlwide and ministers to the disability community.
Joni and her family were extremely active people, loving outdoors, horses, camping, sports and competition. To have this tragedy happen to Joni is heartbreaking. It is a touching and heartfelt story of how Joni lived - no - lives her life and has traveled the world, literaly, for the Lord. Her Wheels for the World program is providing wheelchairs for poverty stricken children. Her Joni and Friends Organization is worlwide and ministers to the disability community.
March 18, 2017
At the beginning of the year, I decided that instead of emphasizing a number or pages or books, I'd spend 2017 concentrating on the people in those books -- on learning from people with different experiences than mine (Hidden Figures, Girl with Seven Names, etc.) and on hanging out with authors and characters that I would really want to hang out with in real life, people who were wise and strong where I am weak. (Rule one this year: no whiny characters.) This book is both a memoir of a life with disability, and of a seasoned saint. It's meandering, and if I were bent on hitting a book quota, I'd have been frustrated by the slow pace. But thinking of reading more as sitting across the tea table listening to a dear woman's memories and reflections, it was lovely. Bonus points for the audio book, which the author reads herself, with assists from her husband.
October 9, 2012
I can't put into words how powerful this book is. Joni's faltering faith in God over the years after her diving accident, and the questions she fought with, and the answers that God gave her, and the peace.... it reaches deep into my heart. I felt drawn to read this book and I am so glad that I did. God has used Joni's life to help so many people all over the world through darkness in their own lives - especially those who have been physically handicapped in some way. But it wasn't just about her life - she talks about her family's love, friendships that made a massive difference, and dealing with the death of both of her parents in later years. There's so much pain that's so familiar to us all and so much joy that follows - all wrapped up in this one book.
October 24, 2015
This book had me captivated since the very first chapter. I knew then, that this was going to be my favorite book.
This book is about Joni Eareckson Tada's childhood, teenage years, the paralysis accident, meeting her husband and creating a ministry that is called, "Joni and Friends". I was completely inspired by Joni because of her faith in God, her compassion on others, her wisdom, her devotion to the work God had for her. God only knew what he had in store for that little girl in the book, but that little girl became a beautiful instrument that He used to glorify Him and to inspire His people. What a life Joni has been living and how amazing to see it being used to glory God. Every women who is a Believer, should read this book.
This book is about Joni Eareckson Tada's childhood, teenage years, the paralysis accident, meeting her husband and creating a ministry that is called, "Joni and Friends". I was completely inspired by Joni because of her faith in God, her compassion on others, her wisdom, her devotion to the work God had for her. God only knew what he had in store for that little girl in the book, but that little girl became a beautiful instrument that He used to glorify Him and to inspire His people. What a life Joni has been living and how amazing to see it being used to glory God. Every women who is a Believer, should read this book.
September 5, 2009
Joni and I grew up in the same town and it was neat to read about people and places I know. We even went to the same piano teacher so I enjoyed her story about a recital. We attended the same high school and I knew who she was but it wasn't until after her accident that I got to know her. Joni is just as genuine in real life. I used to love to take her to speaking engagements when she still lived in Maryland. My sister and I used to love to sing hymns with her and play Bible memory. This is a wonderful book even if you don't know her. I gave it to many of my friends in SC who never knew her and they loved it.
April 24, 2013
Before her 18th birthday, Joni prayed & asked God about getting closer to HIM.
God's thoughts & ways r far above us & HE uses things we never would have thought.
Joni writes about a Turning point when she sensed God hadn't left her - it was a visit from her friend Jacque, when she was transported to Johns Hopkins to get her fingernails taken out and she saw a statue of the resurrected Jesus with the NAILS & scars and her thoughts no longer mattered, only God's!! Jesus's nails for mine.
God is using Joni and I was moved when she said: "her pursuit of God was no longer something extraordinary, but a part of her everyday routine."
God's thoughts & ways r far above us & HE uses things we never would have thought.
Joni writes about a Turning point when she sensed God hadn't left her - it was a visit from her friend Jacque, when she was transported to Johns Hopkins to get her fingernails taken out and she saw a statue of the resurrected Jesus with the NAILS & scars and her thoughts no longer mattered, only God's!! Jesus's nails for mine.
God is using Joni and I was moved when she said: "her pursuit of God was no longer something extraordinary, but a part of her everyday routine."
December 16, 2010
Joni Eareckson Tada is an amazing woman. She was able to turn a major disability into a blessing for herself and many people all around the world, after overcoming much emotional turmoil. It was an inspiration for me, nudging me to count my blessings and to keep trying to do good things in the world despite my struggles.
July 7, 2010
Amazing story of an amazing woman! Joni Eareckson Tada shows what it is like to walk with God during difficult times. She does not sugarcoat the difficulties but allows us to see her pain and doubts over the years of dealing with her quadriplegia. However, what comes shining through is her confidence and trust in a loving and sovereign God. I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
July 10, 2010
This is a more indepth memoir than Joni has written before. She shares details about her years before the diving accident and her relationships with family members. It is obvious that these relationships had much to do with the way she has lived her life since the accident. I really enjoyed this book and was encouraged by reading about her life.
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