Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope

Guest (Female): Not many people nowadays remember that as a quadriplegic, you used to drive a van. I mean, even I can't imagine that.

Joni Eareckson Tada: Well, it is true. I drove as a quadriplegic. I drove a big Ford Econoline van. This was way back, maybe between 1980 and 2001. Yes, they let quadriplegics like me on the freeway in California. I should explain that it did not have a steering wheel, but that's another story.

There was this big joystick where my hand could be secured and I would push forward to accelerate, twist my shoulder to turn right or left, pull back to brake. Anyway, I remember one time cruising into the drive-thru lane of a fast food restaurant to order hamburgers and Cokes. I gave my order over the intercom, but I explained to the cashier at the window in advance that he would have to help me since I was disabled.

No problem. I did not tell him I couldn't use my hands. I figured I would show him that when I drove up to the window. When I stopped beside the delivery window, I stuck my arm out the van window and asked the cashier to take the $20 bill that was folded in my arm splint. That was no problem for him.

As another server was bagging my order, I asked him, "Sir, would you please drop the change into the bag?" Both guys looked at each other a little confused, so I smiled and slowly repeated my instructions. They got the message. They even wrapped the change in a napkin before they carefully placed it into the bag with the food.

They tried to hand me the bag, but I asked, "Please lean out your window a bit more and just wedge the bag right here between my hip and the van door. Got it?" Both guys looked at each other. Remember, I said I can't use my hands. "Oh yeah," they laughed and proceeded to reach way over and shove the package securely between my wheelchair and the van door.

I could tell they felt very disability aware when I finally thanked them profusely for doing something new. Good for you! They helped me. They were leaning out the window and waving at me as I drove off. I smiled back, knowing those two boys would now have a new excitement for making life more accessible for wheelchair users like me. What could have been an awkward, embarrassing situation turned out to be sheer fun for them and for me, too.

Guest (Female): I bet. And Joni, I think of all of our friends listening, I think they want to know how to take a complicated situation, take it with a little time, patience, and a smile, and turn it into something positive for themselves and for others. There's a great verse for that. Proverbs 16:21 says...

Joni Eareckson Tada: The wise in heart are called discerning and pleasant words promote instruction.

Guest (Female): I love that. The last part of that verse really fits your story, Joni. You made your words pleasant. I'm certain that made the cashier and the fellow packing your order feel relaxed and unafraid. Like the verse says, pleasant words promote instruction.

Friend listening, we found a photo of Joni actually driving her van. So if you want to see it for yourself, and I know you do, we've posted it at joniradio.org. Make your words pleasant, whether it's to the cashier in the drive-thru or the kid who packs your groceries.

Our words have great impact. Today, may your instructions be a blessing to others. Visit joniradio.org to see our friend Joni here driving that big Ford Econoline.