Tag Archives: disability

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If You’re Afraid of Not Measuring Up

When I went to China, I got to meet some of Phil’s students. Oh, I guess I should tell you that was the reason we got to go on such an amazing once-in-a-lifetime  trip; Phil was invited to teach at Liaoning Normal University in Dalian, China. While we were there, I got to visit his Venue Management class and meet his students.

Phil had told them I was blind and they were curious and asked lots of the usual questions like, “How do you ___?”(fill in the blank). There are a million “How do you do___? ” kinds of questions when you’re blind, but one young woman’s question totally blew me away — it was very revealing.

In broken, but very good English, she asked: “When you became blind, were you afraid people would be ashamed of you or your family would not love you?”

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Spectator Grace

Over the years, lots of stories about my journey into blindness have been written. After a particular magazine interview, I dialed the phone. “Mom, I just finished an interview and I really think the writer is going to do a good job. I think you will like the article.”

I continued. “And, Mom, she asked if she could interview you. She only has a few questions and I wondered if you could?”

My mom hesitated. Her response taught me so much about God’s grace.

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How Do I Cope With a Disability?

Spill The BeansHi Jennifer,

I have admired your wonderful outlook with a disability, and that it does not hinder your walk with others or with God personally. I led a Bible study in my home with many ladies using your video studies.  They were so wonderful. Now I am experiencing something new.  I was recently diagnosed with spasmodic dysphonia, a rare vocal disorder that inhibits my speech.  I am not able to speak. This is a great hindrance to my daily life. I’m just trying to cope with it and thought I would write to you for any advice you may have for me, as I now also have a disability.

Delisa

ANSWER:

Hi Delisa,

I’m so sorry to hear of this new difficulty you are facing! Oh girl, I don’t have any profound advice…. I just walk by faith and trust God more than my feelings when it comes to this kind of thing. The main thing that came to mind when I asked God for any specific word for you was this – be patient with yourself and be patient with God. He will grant you grace for your present moment, so don’t worry about your future or pine away for the past. He will carry you through this….

Keep trusting, sister.

Jennifer

What would you say to my sister Delisa? Leave a comment here.

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Jennifer on The Walking Dead

We just celebrated the most important event in the history of Christianity – the resurrection of Jesus. Joni Eareckson Tada – one of my mentors and dear friends – and I were interviewed about the walking dead and what our resurrected body will mean to us one day. Have you ever thought about what your resurrected body will be like?

Joni.jpg

For some of you who are experiencing physical challenges now and maybe for those of you who are crying tears over your son or daughter’s physical challenges, may this be a word of encouragement.

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What Happens When God Doesn’t Heal?

Spill The Beans
Dear Jennifer,

I was so inspired when I first saw your video on Walking by Faith: Lessons I Learned in the Dark.  I’ve had a bad case of tinnitus for almost 1 1/2 years with severe hearing loss in one ear and several sounds that constantly are hard to put out of my mind.

I am a born again Christian but have been struggling with this since I can’t seem to get my mind off of it.  With the hearing loss, it makes it even harder because the noise seems to be louder.  I am doing some biofeedback and taking anti-depressants which do not help a whole lot.  This problem has really been severe for me and my husband, who is also a Christian.  He gets so tired of hearing me talk about it.  It really gets me down.  Since it doesn’t appear God is going to heal me, do you have any ideas on this type of affliction?

Your Friend, Discouraged

Jennifer’s Answer: