People have always asked me if I have met Joni Eareckson Tada. They have often connected our triumphal stories of joy and victory in the middle of what many might call a “disability.” This word alone is for writing since it packs so many misconceptions and misunderstandings. Sometimes any disability is more in the mind than actual challenge.

It was in February that I did meet Joni for the first time. We met for coffee at the Gaylord during the National Religious Broadcasters Convention we were both attending. What a delight to meet my new McFriend.

Meeting Joni for the first time was challenging for both of our hearts. I could not see her fully to hug her and she could not reach her arms to me. However, we overcame the barriers quickly with our vivacious joy for living and mutual respect for each other. We laughed, cried and talked on while a team of her friends and mine looked on. They all enjoyed it too.

I loved Joni’s sweet spirit. As she enjoyed her coffee and sweet cakes with some help from her husband Ken and her assistant, I was asked to tell my story. After some time I said, “Joni, tell me more about you.” She graciously said, “No, Gail. I want to know more.” The time flew as the whole coffee shop listened in.

Joni had an appointment following our memorable hour together. Joni was the first to suggest we pray together. Sitting near her wheelchair, she lifted her quadriplegic arm a few inches and thrust it onto my nearby hand as we pray. Beyond our hands, our hearts had connected.

The following night Joni was honored with the Hall of Fame award at the NRB Convention. Though in her youth she was sentenced to a wheelchair due to a swimming accident that left her fully paralyzed, she ran laps around everyone in that banquet room who now stood to applaud her life.  The introduction video demonstrated her accomplishments and service she had given around the world, and it only was a tip of the iceberg.

After making her way, with assistance from her husband, she began her acceptance speech by saying, “I don’t do paraplegia very well.” No wonder we were new kindred friends because I do not do blindness very well either. The world is “disabled” by what they excuse and all they overlook.

Joni continues to encourage me, especially with the launch of my new national radio features. Thank you, Joni, for your courageous life and outstanding service to those who have never tried to run with their dreams. You stand taller than the crowd and your life race is victorious. I see your heart and love it. It is an honor to be one of the groups called, “Joni and Friends.”

 List the excuses that are limiting you today.

When you choose to look past the horizon… the sky is the limit!