Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast

Shawn Thornton is the President and Chief Ministry Officer of Joni and Friends, an international non-profit organization founded by Joni Eareckson Tada that offers hands-on help and Gospel hope to people living with disabilities. With decades of pastoral experience, Shawn most recently served as Senior Pastor of Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village, California where he supported the development of a disability ministry program that provides an example for churches across the country. He and his wife, Lesli, have three adult children—Jon, Katie, and Megan. Get your copy of All But Normal: Life on Victory Road Growing up, Shawn Thornton’s life was anything but normal―but then, so was his mother. After waking from a coma following a car crash, Beverly Thornton’s once sweet and gentle disposition had been replaced by violent mood swings, profanity-laced tirades, and uncontrollable fits of rage. Inside the Thornton house, floors and countertops were piled high with dirty laundry and garbage because Bev was unable to move well enough to clean. Dinners were a Russian roulette of half-cooked meat, spoiled milk, and foods well past their expiration dates. A moment of frustration might prompt her to hurl a knife at Shawn, his brother, Troy, or their dad or to vehemently cuss them out, only to shower them with love and affection moments later as though nothing had happened. And God help the family cat! On several occasions, Bev even tried to jump out of the car on the highway while Shawn and his brother struggled to keep her inside. Yet this same woman was also a devoted Bible reader, Sunday school teacher, and friend to the elderly, poor, and marginalized wherever she went. How the same woman could be a saint one minute and a nightmare the next was a constant source of frustration for the family. Then one day, after decades of embarrassing outbursts, a surprise discovery finally helps the Thornton family come to grips with Bev’s mysterious condition and brings Shawn to a startling realization that changes the course of his life forever. A heartwarming coming-of-age story, All But Normal is a powerful reminder that sometimes the “broken” people in our lives are the ones who need fixing the least. KEY QUESTIONS: KEY SCRIPTURE: Psalm 136:1–4: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. To Him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.” You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team. Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

Vaneetha Risner is no stranger to suffering. Having lived through polio, the loss of a child, and multiple miscarriages, she has wrestled with God and learned to trust in his goodness. Vaneetha joins Stephanie Daniels to share about her journey and how she has continued to hope in God through the darkness of deep pain. Their encouraging conversation will remind you that God sees you and reassure you that you never have to suffer alone. Get your copy of Vaneetha’s devotional, Watching for the Morning Find out more about Vaneetha and connect with her at: www.vaneetha.com Learn more of Vaneetha’s story on previous podcast episodes: Desperate for Hope: Questions We Ask God in Suffering and Finding Freedom Through Forgiveness KEY QUESTIONS: KEY SCRIPTURES: Psalm 34:3–5: Psalm 30:5: You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team. Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

Kay Warren, known for cofounding Saddleback Church with her husband, Pastor Rick Warren, joins Stephanie Daniels to discuss a deeply personal topic. Kay is the mother of three adult children, including Matthew who lost his life to suicide at age 27 after years of chronic depression. Having walked beside her son through his suffering, and survived the anguish of his death, Kay has experienced firsthand the need for the church, and all believers, to extend compassionate support to people facing mental health struggles. Tune in for this critical call for the body of Christ to support people who battle with depression, suicidal ideation, and despair—providing the love and hope of Jesus in moments of deepest darkness. Help is here! If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, suicidal ideation, or other mental health challenges, you are not alone… Explore resources mentioned in this episode, and encouragement from Joni Eareckson Tada who has herself wrestled with deep depression. Get your copy of Kay Warren’s book, Choose Joy: Because Happiness Isn’t Enough Hear Joni Eareckson Tada’s shares heart on how to battle depression Get your copy of Joni’s booklet, Navigating Depression: Hope for Heavy Hearts Learn more about Kay and her ministry at www.kaywarren.com For Christ-centered encouragement, practical tools, and comprehensive resources for families and churches around mental health visit https://www.hopeforbrightertomorrows.org Find additional resources and support through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) | Mental Health Support, Education & Advocacy KEY QUESTIONS: KEY SCRIPTURE: Lamentations 3:19-25 (NLT): You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team. Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

Army Chaplain and special needs dad Matt McCraney joins Stephanie Daniels to talk about how the body of Christ can better embrace people living with disabilities. Bringing personal, biblical, and academic perspectives, Matt identifies barriers that keep disabled people from finding their places of belonging in the church and he offers practical ways Christians can better demonstrate the love of Jesus to those living with disability. Matt McCraney has served as an Army Chaplain for 17 years and is a devoted father to a child with autism. He holds a PhD from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Married to his wife Sarah for 20 years, Matt is the proud father of four children and the owner of a beloved dog named Appa. As Matt says: “Sundays are incredibly difficult for families with a disabled child, often because of the attitudes and assumptions of members. To welcome these families, we need to reexamine how we understand disability and bring our thinking in line with the Bible on this critical issue.” Read Matt’s articles: “I Hate Sundays”: Why Disabled Families Are Absent from Church and What We Can Do to Start Welcoming them Back More than Bodies: Examining our Assumptions about Disability Faith on the Spectrum: Reimagining Discipleship Expectations for Children with Autism KEY QUESTIONS: KEY SCRIPTURES: Ephesians 2:10:John 9:3: You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team. Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

Lars Nelson, a member of New York City Ballet’s corps de ballet, joins Stephanie Daniels to share about his faith journey, career, and passion to see people with disabilities served and included by the church. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he began dance training at the age of 11, studied at the School of American Ballet, then joined the Company as a member of the corps de ballet in 2011. He is husband to Tanya and also brother to Eric, who lives with cerebral palsy. Learn more about Lars Nelson and hear why he names Joni Eareckson Tada as his hero! Find out more about our Wheels for the World® program, which hand-delivers wheelchairs and Bibles to people with disabilities in developing countries, all in the name of Jesus. Learn more about our Family Retreats. Discover our free resources to help your church fully embrace people living with disability. KEY QUESTIONS: KEY SCRIPTURES: 2 Corinthians 5:20:Colossians 3:23–24: You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team. Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

Author, speaker, and special needs mom Jess Ronne joins Stephanie Daniels to talk about her family’s story of beauty emerging from the ashes. She also offer insight into tangible ways to support families facing difficult seasons. Jess is the founder of The Lucas Project, named after her son with profound disabilities, which provides recognition and respite for parent caregivers. She and her husband Ryan, both of whom lost spouses to cancer before blending their families, have eight children, an encouraging story of finding hope through hardship, and a heart to serve others coping with deep and complex suffering. Learn more about The Lucas Project, which provides resources, respite, and recognition for parent caregivers of children with disabilities. Explore Jess’s books: Caregiving with Grit and Grace: For caregivers, this book offers solace for your journey and extends a heartfelt invitation to view your role through the lens of eternity. Sunlight Burning at Midnight: Jess’s memoir offers an inspiring and encouraging story of faith forged through deep suffering, hardship, and unexpected joy. KEY QUESTIONS: KEY SCRIPTURES: Luke 22:42: Romans 11:36: You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team. Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

Meet special needs parents, business partners, and Christ-loving power couple Clifton (Cliff) and Lorraine Marshall. In an inspiring conversation with Stephanie Daniels, Cliff and Lorraine share about meeting on a blind date, forming a blended family, raising a child with a disability, and growing in faith—and love for one another—through life’s seasons and challenges. Tune in to be encouraged in your career, family life, and daily struggles and be equipped with Scriptures to bring you fresh hope and joy. Families navigating disability often name respite care as their top unmet need. If someone you know needs encouragement, respite, and an experience of true belonging in the body of Christ, invite them to check out our Joni and Friends Retreats & Getaways! For spouses living with disability in the family, like Cliff and Lorraine, Joni and Friends Marriage Getaway offers rich community with other couples who understand the unique challenges of disability. Learn more about this unique opportunity for encouragement through biblical teaching, worship, dinners, activities, and optional marriage coaching. KEY QUESTIONS: RESOURCES: Season 6 episode with author Randy Alcorn on “Why Giving Is the Good Life”Explore opportunities to support the kingdom work of Joni and Friends KEY SCRIPTURES: 2 Corinthians 12:9:Matthew 20:26–28: You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team. Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

Larah Roberts, a dedicated mom, wife, and Christ-centered disability advocate, joins Stephanie Daniels to talk about raising children with autism as thriving followers of Jesus. Larah shares from her own family’s experience and her wisdom as the founder of the organization Raising Autistic Disciples. Don’t miss Larah’s heartfelt encouragement for individuals, churches, and communities to fully include, support, and disciple families navigating life with disability. Explore free Joni and Friends resources that will empower you and your church love and serve individuals and families living with disability. Learn more about Larah Roberts and Raising Autistic Disciples Get your copy of Larah’s book, How to Advocate & Stay Christian: For Parents of Special Kids KEY QUESTIONS: KEY SCRIPTURES: Hebrews 13:8:Deuteronomy 6:6–7: You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team. Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

Discover more about Joni’s heart on the ADA: Did The Americans With Disabilities Act Really Guarantee Change? | Joni and Friends At a celebratory reception after the signing of the ADA, Joni recalls hearing these words spoken by colleague Paul Hearne: “[The ADA] will provide greater access to public accommodation. Wheelchair users will no longer have to be carried up the steps of a restaurant. And one day buses across America will be outfitted with mechanical lifts. There’ll be no barriers to public transportation…. But the ADA will not change the heart of the employer. The law will not change the heart of the maître de in the restaurant.” Key Questions: Key Scriptures: 1 Samuel 16:7: Luke 14:21, 23 (NIV): You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team. Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

Maggie BushwayPearls, A Memoir on Childhood Brain Cancer and HopeA Place of Healing: Wrestling with the Mysteries of Suffering, Pain, and God’s SovereigntyFacing Trials with Joy: Cancer and BeyondKEY QUESTIONS: KEY SCRIPTURES: 2 Corinthians 12:9–10:Psalm 121:“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team. Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

Abigail Brown has been living with dystonia since the age of three. You may remember her Season 3 podcast episode where she shares about living joyfully with dystonia. Abigail is the founder of Silent Inspirations, a creative studio that offers stationery and home decor based on her original artwork. To encourage women who feel alone or stuck, whether because of a disability or other challenges, Abigail wrote her book, Unstuck: Moving from Resentment to Resilience While Living with Dystonia (using only her left thumb). KEY QUESTIONS: KEY SCRIPTURES: Psalm 139:14:Romans 8:26: You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team. Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. And you can be part of making this vision a reality! When you volunteer with Joni and Friends, you will transform lives by delivering hands-on help and the love of Jesus Christ to the people we serve. Find volunteer opportunities near you! Join one of our Wheels for the World™ outreach teams! KEY QUESTIONS: KEY SCRIPTURES: John 9:1–3:Romans 10:15: You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team. Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

Joni and Friends staff member Sarah Fuller returns to the podcast to share how, with three biological children of their own, she and her husband sensed God calling to also serve as foster parents. In conversation with Stephanie Daniels, Sarah tells how her whole family has taken part in loving and sheltering children in foster care, and welcomed a child with disabilities into their family permanently through adoption. Hear how God can use a faithful “yes” to weave his grace and redemption into stories of complexity and brokenness. Get your copy of Joni Eareckson Tada’s powerful autobiography! Hear more conversations about adoption and foster care: Creating a Peaceful Home: Parenting Wisdom from a Mother of Ten!: The Call to Care for Vulnerable Foster Children:KEY QUESTIONS: KEY SCRIPTURES: James 1:27:Psalm 68:6: You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team. Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

Joni and Friends staff member Sarah Fuller joins Stephanie Daniels to share her story of God’s faithfulness in calling her into missions, special education, and disability ministry. As a mom, Sarah has invited her children into service opportunities—often volunteering with Joni and Friends—which has shaped their hearts and the trajectories of their lives. Sarah shares how God uses everything from childhood dreams to disappointments to deep experiences of grief to guide and direct the steps of those who love and trust him. Like Sarah and her family, you can have a life-changing experience volunteering with Joni and Friends! Explore volunteer opportunities! Learn more about our Joni’s House programs internationally and in the United States. And if you are interested in learning more about starting a disability ministry in your church, we invite you to explore the free resources we have available. Inspiring books mentioned in this episode: The Awesome Super Fantastic Forever Party – This beautifully illustrated, biblically faithful storybook by Joni Eareckson Tada excites children with this truth—that when Jesus comes back to this world, he will bring heaven with him! Heaven: Your Real Home… From a Higher Perspective – Joni Eareckson Tada’s beloved book on heaven sheds light on how an eternal perspective can inspire us to live well on earth. Drawing on Scripture, Joni answers the deepest questions of our hearts about what heaven will be like. KEY QUESTIONS: KEY SCRIPTURES: Mark 9:41:John 14:1–2: You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team. Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

Joni and Friends team member Randy Schwartz joins Stephanie Daniels to share about coming to faith as an adult, being a special needs dad and devoted husband, and learning to trust God with all aspects of life. When his younger son was born with spina bifida, Randy and his wife turned to Jesus, relying on his grace day by day. Listen to our Season 6 conversation with Dr. Benjamin Warf, a neurosurgeon at Boston Children’s Hospital, who has a passion for training the next generation of surgeons and improving access to quality care. Dr. Warf shares his story and encouragement for families—fathers in particular—who live with disability. More resources: Dig into God’s Word with Joni Eareckson Tada’s Bible reading plan! Discover books to disciple the children in your life Learn more about Joni and Friends Family Retreat KEY QUESTIONS: KEY SCRIPTURES: John 9:1–3: John 13:35:Lamentations 3:22–23 You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team. Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

Learn more about Mandy Meehan and her faith journey while seeking to heal from fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and other chronic conditions. KEY QUESTIONS: KEY SCRIPTURES: Second Corinthians 4:7–9:Proverbs 16:9: You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team. Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

Learn more about Mandy Meehan and her faith journey while seeking to heal from fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and other chronic conditions. Discover more inspiring stories of God’s faithfulness amid difficult chronic illnesses: Living with Chronic Illness | Joni and Friends When Skies Aren’t Blue: A Doctor’s Journey to Hope Amid Chronic Illness | Joni and Friends KEY QUESTIONS: KEY SCRIPTURES: Isaiah 40:29–31:Roman 8:28: You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team. Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

When a broken neck upended her plans at age 17, Joni Eareckson Tada thought life was over. She fell into a deep depression. And over decades, Joni’s paralysis and pain often made her feel like giving up. But God’s presence and Word have always held her up when she might otherwise have fallen. Joni anchors her emotions to the Lord’s powerful promises, like the one found in Lamentations 3:21–23: “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” While depression sometimes lurks nearby for Joni, she invites God to illuminate the shadows, and her heart, with his bright truth. And she prays, “Let my life be a testament that ‘the precepts of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes’ (Psalm 19:8).” Hear from Joni Eareckson Tada’s heart on the topic of depression Hear Joni share about how God has redeemed her deep suffering KEY QUESTIONS: KEY SCRIPTURES: Colossians 1:27:John 16:33:Isaiah 41:10 You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team. Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

If you are struggling with cancer, grief, or chronic pain, the journey can be arduous and seem unending. During her most difficult seasons, most recently coping with cancer, Roberta has found peace in words from the Lord’s Prayer, “…Give us this day our daily bread.” Today, as you or those close to you face hardships—especially lasting ones—spend time centering your heart by trusting God to provide the daily bread of his love and presence today. Acknowledge your need for God and remember his promise to work in all things (even pain) for his glory and your good. As Roberta encourages, hold out your hands, palms open, and pray: “Give me this day my daily bread.” Find encouragement through Joni’s Daily Devotional MORE RESOURCES: Facing Trials with Joy: Cancer and BeyondDiagnosed with Breast Cancer: Life After ShockKEY QUESTIONS: KEY SCRIPTURES: Esther 4:14: Genesis 16:13:Matthew 6:11 You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team. Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

Roberta Dunn has been active in the disability community as an advocate and parent leader since the birth of her twins more than 30 years ago. Sharing insights and challenging misperceptions of disability, Roberta has spoken nationally, regionally, locally—and across the coffee table—with thousands of parents, professionals, and individuals experiencing disability. Learn how to advocate for inclusion in your church and community! KEY QUESTIONS: What’s one thing in your life that you “just can’t handle”? Ask God to meet you in this pain point and show you the way forward. Look around your church or neighborhood… who in your midst needs help or encouragement today? What is your mission (as a Christ-follower, daughter/son, parent, friend)? Write it down and lift it up in prayer. KEY SCRIPTURES: James 1:2–4: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Proverbs 3:5–6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support. Find all podcast resources and message our team. Follow Joni and Friends on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.