A Lifetime of Wisdom: Embracing the Way God Heals You

by Joni Eareckson Tada

It’s not what I lost. It’s what I’ve found.

I was only seventeen, just a girl, when God asked me for everything I had … my health, my hopes, my independence, my dreams, my freedom, and my mobility. He took it all. I was so angry with Him that I tried to push Him away. God relentlessly held me more closely.

Looking back, forty years later, I understand that God has changed and healed me—my heart and my mind—in the most unexpected ways, giving me rubies of His wisdom about an unbending faith and an experience of His mercy I can now tell you about.

Was it a fair exchange, my freedom and no wheelchair for the rubies of wisdom I’ve been given? Absolutely. In this I have learned at the feet of the Lord Jesus, embracing the way that God heals us, even when we rage at Him in anger, fear, and despair.

This book is not about what I lost in that diving accident so long ago. It’s about the wisdom He’s given me to live life victoriously in the face of disappointments and challenges that we all face.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Biography, Audiobook, Memoir, Self Help

224 pages, Audio CD

First published February 6, 2009

About the author

Joni 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".

Reviews

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won't be able to find words to do this remarkable book justice. If you've read "Joni," the account of Tada's accident that left her a quadriplegic at age 17, then consider this her follow-up letter, written to her younger self, about all the riches and treasures that she has gained through the suffering and wrestling through the 4 decades since the accident.
I took copious notes, because her manner of expressing the wisdom and goodness of God in the midst of suffering was so winsome, so engaging, so spot-on. She has the authority and integrity of one who has LIVED her message, and it shows in the sensitivity, compassion, and deep joy that she has in her life and her God. She doesn't attempt to skirt any of the hard issues - anger with God, not seeing prayers answered, the anguish of wrestling with faith and hearing silence from God.
This slim volume is absolutely overflowing with Scriptures - and not just the typical ones you might expect in such a book. She expanded my Scriptural horizons.
She speaks of lessons learned as "rubies, hard-won." Surely, the crucible of time and pain that have refined her have created gems in her life and ministry and relationships. Praise God that she has recorded them here in this priceless book, for us to glean from and grow from.
Recommended reading for EVERY believer. Oh - and don't skip over the appendices! She spends 10 pages giving Scriptures that help the reader wrestle with God's sovereignty over suffering. And in a final appendix, she catalogs Scriptures that talk about the purpose of suffering. I copied these to save as references for the future.

[Kristi C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely 5 stars for an inspirational and uplifting account of Joni Eareckson Tada’s sharing of embracing God and the way He heals you. At the time she wrote this book, she had been a quadriplegic for over four decades, after her diving accident when she was 17 years old. I believe she is currently around 74 years old and has an amazing story to tell to others. She is an advocate for those with disabilities, but her story is inspirational for anyone. I loved that she was so real about her story, jumping to different points of her life, but never dwelling on the actual accident. It is more about what she found, not what she lost. This book, narrated by Joni herself, reminds us of God’s wisdom, mercy, love, and healing, among all His other amazing attributes. This book was full of wonderful scripture verses that I wished I could have been highlighting or writing down, but unfortunately that is hard to do when walking a dog, as this was my latest randomly chosen audiobook (#313, thank you 😘). Joni is a reminder that with God, there is hope in any situation!

[August Maclauchlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her writing is beautiful. Her wisdom is deep. Her character is proved. Wow. Everyone should read this book. I ugly cried several times. This book makes me want to be a better Christian. A better person.

[Melissa M · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was SUPERB. having already read most of joni's books i honestly wasn't expecting this degree of new insight, inspiration, encouragement, etc. i "read" it via the audio version which was in this case joni herself "reading" the book; it made it feel like she was in the room (or car) speaking directly to me...even neater after i had met her just weeks before. i purchased this with intentions of listening myself and then passing it on to a friend but am now hesitant to part with it as i forsee my wanting to listen - at least to portions of it - again and again. i would definitely recommend this one to anyone/ everyone.

[Melanie Mead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version of this book which is read by the author. I loved doing this as it was so wonderful to hear her share her heart, knowing it was her own voice and emotions. I can't say enough about this book. Such a powerful, biblical, compassionate look at suffering. A friend said to me that Joni is an authentic voice on suffering. So true. She has suffered greatly over many years and the "rubies of wisdom" she shares in this book are indeed precious. If you or someone you know is dealing with suffering, especially chronic pain that feels relentless, this book will be a tremendous comfort for you.

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book! It is full of wisdom and insight about suffering and hardships and truth about God's great love and mercy. We get to see some of the struggles Joni faced during her early months and years as a quadriplegic, and what Joni, forty years later, would say to her younger self. There is so much in this book that anyone can glean from even if they aren’t suffering like Joni did.
I highly recommend it.

[Julie Morales · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the story of Joni years ago. She was paralyzed at the age of 17 in a diving accident. By the time this book was written, she'd spent over 40 years as a quadriplegic. She writes this book referring to rubies of wisdom she's learned over the years. Topics she addresses include why God allows us to suffer, what we can do when we think we're useless and there's no point in going on, prayer and looking forward to heaven. There are Bible passages throughout.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joni Eareckson Tada has spent over 40 years as a quadriplegic due to a diving accident when she was 17 years old. During my own journey with a visual disability, I have learned much from Joni's books regarding suffering and the sovereignty of God. I know as she knows that there is a day coming when the shackles of our disabilities will come off forever; if not now then when we see Jesus face to face.

A Lifetime of Witness: Embracing the Way God Heals You is about the "rubies of wisdom hard won" through her years in her wheelchair. If God wouldn't let her die then He'd have to teach her hw to live in that wheelchair and He definitely has. I heard that Joni was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, which made reading this book even more poignant. These aren't just cushy words she shares. She's sought God's wisdom and learned to live by it in the crucible of great suffering; when God's answer was No to healing.

Joni's knowledge of, love for and trust in God through faith in Jesus Christ is abundantly evident and she shares her journey with such honesty. Christ is her very life and hope through it all. What a testimony!!
I highly recommend this book!!

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is humbling to read of Joni's many struggles through life in a wheelchair for the past 40 years and feel any self-pity. She has been through so much and yet thanks the Lord for being in the wheelchair. In her book she states that there are more important things in life than walking. But walking is exactly what she's doing, step by step with Jesus by her side! What an amazing woman, saved by grace and rejoicing despite her pain and hardship. It is crystal clear to see that the Lord is King in her life.
The book is unique in that she goes back to when she was 17, when the accident first happened, and tells the anger and fears this girl had with life ahead of her...and then 40 years later, gives us pearls of wisdom learned from that time, physically helpless. Easy to read, easy to love!

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book did read a bit like a swan song for Joni and she does mention
the fact that her body is really suffering after 40 years of quadraplegia ("My tent too is giving way. The pegs are loose in the ground, the cords are frayed, and the tent frame has bent, giving way to long years and rough weather."), so it was full of wisdom gained through a lifetime of suffering, rejoicing, and ministering. As she sought the Lord, Joni has graduated from surving her circumstances, to tolerating, to enduring, to persevering to saying, "Thank you, God, for this wheelchair. Thank You for the life You have given me." Of course, I loved her comment on faith healing: "Something's wrong with this picture. Is this the only way to deal with suffering? Trying desperately to remove it?"

[Barbw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joni Eareckson Tada broke her neck in a diving accident in 1967 and has been a quadraplegic for over forty years. She could have wallowed in misery and grief, but instead she chose to live her life in a different way. Her joy shines through this book as she describes the wisdom that she has gained through God's hand in various life circumstances. Her relationship with God is her key focus and joy radiates from her. She speaks internationally and has written several books including her autobiography, Joni. One of her greatest accomplishments is the Joni and Friends non-profit organization Wheels for the World which provides wheelchairs for poverty-stricken, physically handicapped people around the world.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of the few that helped me when I was suffering tremendously with depression, because it gave me permission to be angry at God. Joni told me He could handle it. That's what I desperately needed to hear.

[Cws]

277.3 Tad

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The was an awesome book and exactly what I needed to read. All about getting closer to God through the trials in our life. Good stuff.

[Lynnea · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book - especially as I deal with my own pain, which is nothing like Joni's!

[Pauline Creeden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laughed, Cried - inspiring. Joni is my new hero.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing book - reading it again, which is a very rare thing for me.

[Kimberly Patton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so glad I picked up Joni’s books. I didn’t realize she was such an incredible writer! I love how at the beginning she dives deep into her injury and the depression that followed. I also like how she admits how hard it is for her still to look up to Jesus in her struggles and disability.

Her strength is admirable and her foundation in her faith is just so clear. I needed that reminder. I heard her on a podcast talking about her chronic pain and how she is often lying in bed for hours at night, softly singing. That helps her cope.

She is an absolutely amazing woman. I’m loving learning more about her journey, her ministries, her marriage and her faith.

Page 29- Gut wrenching questions honor God.

Page 36- Your cry in the dark is better than sealing God out.

Page 47 and page 195- Paul and Silas story. They didn’t succumb to defeat.

Page 50- 2 Cor. 1:9-10 suffering happens so we might rely on Him

Page 76- JI Packer quote- God uses pain and weakness for sculpting our lives

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author’s writing style is always pleasant and inviting. Mrs. Tada makes you feel like you are sitting in her presence and listening to a dear friend. The content and concept of A Lifetime of Wisdom is that of a wise teacher imparting knowledge and encouraging you to believe you can do great things.

Mrs. Tada is inspiring as she gives more evidence of the strength, love and power of God, that she relies on each day. Her faith allows her to trust in a better future beyond her current paraplegic life. She offers the readers hope, examples of how God works, and shows how spiritual growth is possible even during life challenges and sometimes devastating circumstances.

I enjoy her use and knowledge of scripture. A solid book, not one that you would read over and over, but I’m sure one that you would highlight and enjoy. The ending is full of great scriptures to reflect on.

[Keidy Sheilyn Reinoso · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me sorprendió, honestamente.
Lo leí sin ninguna expectativa y fue bueno el resultado final.

Joni es algo poética y es muy bonito, ella no te lleva por la vía intelectual y académica si no desde su propia experiencia y perspectiva. Creo estar de acuerdo en su línea teológica aunque ese no es su objetivo. Es hermoso y llena de esperanza a cualquier corazón desanimado por la dur realidad de la enfermedad.

Me gustó mucho el método de ir de su etapa reciente a su accidente y luego nos llevaba a como ella veía esa misma experiencia 40 años después y lo que Dios le había enseñado en el proceso, lo que ella llama " un rubí ganado con mucho esfuerzo ".

Es muy emotivo y reconfortante para cualquier persona.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good inspirational book. Tada is very knowledgable when it comes to the Bible. Her own experiences as well as experiences of others she has come to know, are interesting to read. The author really digs deep into the questions of why God allows disabilities, illness, death, etc. She provides many quotes from scripture that help to answer these questions. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who isn't a stranger to suffering no matter the form.

[Debbie Waltz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strangely, I got more out of the first couple of chapters of this book then the last few. But Joni doesn't stop by using her story as an example, she uses people who have influenced her as well as biblical examples. I would encourage this book to anyone who is struggling with their circumstances

[Rebecca McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joy comes in the morning! If you take nothing else from this book it is that your suffering will bring joy, maybe not tomorrow, not next week, not in this lifetime, but you will find joy. Also God will use your suffering to bring hope, faith & joy to others.

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is absolutely a gem of a book. I listened to the audiobook but I am going to buy the hard copy because not only do I plan to read it again and again, I want to have sections that I can use as encouragement for others!

[JD Veer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joni's rubys hard won. A real lifetime of wisdom.

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

No easy platitudes here. Just solid truths learned over a lifetime as Joni determined to seek after God in the midst of her suffering.

[Frankie Hollis Levister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Her ability to allow God to use her, as He has, is just amazing and inspiring.

[Jodi Uplinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book. She had such great wisdom in God's grace. He doesn't need to give us Grace for the future, we only need His grace today to get through whatever trial we have today.

[Carrie F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This latest Joni Eareckson book builds on the book she wrote 40 years ago about her relationship with God in view of the accident that left her paralyzed. I found it fascinating how her understanding of her life as God's creation has matured. She has accomplished so much and been so blessed even though robbed of a "normal" life.

[christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, fortifying read for anyone seeking to grow in Christ during prolonged or chronic illness/disability. Each chapter is structured with today's Joni speaking to 1960s Joni (at the beginning of her quadriplegia). She offers sound biblical counsel with the authority of the author's own experience of prolonged, intense physical and soul suffering.