The God I Love

A Lifetime of Walking with Jesus

By: Joni Eareckson Tada

Narrated by: Joni Eareckson Tada, Ken Tada

Length: 14 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

A little girl on a big horse, cantering across a spring-green pasture...wide-eyed children gathered 'round a beach fire, listening to a father's stories of the high seas...an expansive, you-can-see-forever view from the top of Pike's Peak...another view from a Stryker frame, where an active young woman learns she will never walk again...heading down a church aisle to marry the man she loves...looking into the eyes of a child in a wheelchair, and seeing the family God has prepared for a loving heart...sitting by the pool of Bethesda, reflecting on the miracle of healing God has performed in her heart....

The God I Love brings to life these and many other moments. It offers an eternal perspective from a woman in a wheelchair who affirms that the God she knows and loves is the center, the peacemaker, the passport to adventure, the joy ride, and the answer to her deepest longings. Raised in an active, adventurous family, Joni Eareckson Tada worked hard and played hard to keep up with her older sisters and athletic father - until one day, a diving accident left her a quadriplegic. But the tragedy that could have ended her life was in reality the beginning of an amazing, constantly unfolding story of grace that has touched the lives of millions worldwide and brought Joni unexpected joy and fulfillment.

In this book, Joni unveils the God whom she has found to be faithful through over thirty years as a paralytic. This is not the story of a woman who has all the answers or who is very different from you. Joni struggles with the same fears, questions, and heartaches we all have in common. But as the weeks and months turn into years, and the years into decades, she meets her Savior at every turn.

In this book, you'll discover that he is there for you as well, no matter what your circumstance or situation may be. Written with beauty, feeling, and amazing honesty, The God I Love captures the heart and soul of one woman's powerful, deeply personal journey of hope. It is a sojourn from a naïve child's belief to a tempered faith that transforms and transcends personal tragedy, bringing light to the darkest places and good out of the most difficult situations, and offering glimpses of the glory that awaits God's children.

©2003 Joni Eareckson Tada (P)2003 Zondervan

Critic reviews

"In this tender, beautifully written memoir, [Tada] reflects with vivid detail...Christian readers should appreciate this mature, absorbing reminiscence of a remarkable life." (Publishers Weekly)
"A moving, well-told memoir of both the desperate and the hopeful hours that led Tada to realize her mission in life as a minister to disabled persons the world over." (Booklist)

Chick book?

I was concerened when I started this book that it would be a touchy feely chick book. I almost put it down but decided to hang in there. I was so glad that I did. The issues that Joni wrestles with in this book are some things we all need to work through. Thanks for bringing these hard issues out in the open and reminding us that there is a God who loves us.

An Open Door

I have known of Joni since the early 80's. I knew she loved God, I knew she was a gifted artist. I knew she was truly a Christian Icon of our day, but this book however reveals many many things about her and her background I did not know. This book, all 14 hrs. of it, is truly a treasure. Yeah, it is long, but I love to visit with Joni and learn so much about her, her family, her faith and the road that brought her to where she is today. It is like getting to know an old, special friend, little by little. Her vivid insights into how God worked in her life, some truly miraculous coincidences and still it goes on. I will want to listen again when I am through. I have enjoyed putting in my earphones to hear her each time I walk, workout at the gym, clean out the garage or just wait in long Christmas lines at the store. You will enjoy this if you have a thirst for knowing people, knowing how God wants to move in your life and knowing God.

The best audiobook ever made!

If you only try one audiobook, if you need inspiration and comfort, if you are at or near the end of your rope -- this is the book for you.

When you listen to Joni, you will be moved by her story and as a bonus you will fall in love with her angelic singing voice. She sounds a bit like Karen Carpenter to me.

It is amazing how God has blessed this beautiful woman. I know many people who have not heard her story will wonder how I can say that. Paralysis is nothing that anyone would desire; but when you listen to this book, you will understand. I have come to understand and even thank God for my own paralysis thanks to Joni's amazing perspective.

That's enough reading my review -- download this book and get ready to fall in love with God as well as one of His most precious gems!

Well done in a myriad of ways!

The farther I listened into the Audible book the more I appreciated all of Joni's efforts. I do not believe I can say or express anything that other reviewers have not already done. If one Christ follower in particular chooses not to listen... in my view they have missed a lot. Listening, I could not help but ponder and resonate with Joni in her many faith struggles and questions. I learned new perspectives, was reminded of others and was validated in my own tumultuous journey of faith. Right now I am on a very long road with my own elderly mom, albeit without all the blessed support Joni had. However, I know each journey has its hurdles and I view myself in good company of the innumerable saints that have struggled so in this life and have now passed on and are now with Christ in glory. One day.. one day.. this life will prove we are promised to be worth all the striving.. what a day that will be when faith shall be sight!!!!!

Amazing!

Thank you, Joni, for sharing your story and inviting us in to your memories. We were especially blessed by your beautiful songs and heartfelt storytelling!

Exceptional

Exceptionally written and read by a true heroine and humble servant of Jesus Christ. It was read with such vivaciousness, pathos, sincerity and spontaneity. I just loved the singing too! Thank you! Thank you!

Intense, a learning experience

I have read most of Joni Eareckson Tada's books, so was looking forward to getting a copy of her latest to read. This one is read by the author (Joni) and I was glad to hear it read by her because her reading enables the hearer to more correctly interpret by her voice intonations and word emphasis the emotions she is trying to convey (I don't think the written word would have been as effective). Even if you're not in the "evangelical Christian" crowd, this book gives you a real picture (or as close as possible) of what it might be like to be extensively handicapped (Joni is a quadripalegic). The book covers different events from her life; it is very intense; I could only listen to it in half hour segments. Being a "Joni" fan, of course I was a bit prejudiced. But, I am going to make sure that a relative of mine who is battling cancer hears this. This book is the kind you must read or listen to several times. I loved it, not because it made me "feel good", but because I love to hear truth, and admire those who want to live life embracing it, even though it costs them seemingly everything.

Extraordinary

What a wonderful, upbeat and moving narrative. It felt like a conversation with the author rather than hearing a book read. I couldn't wait to get in the car to listen to the next segment. After getting to know the author so well through her story, I will never look at parapalegics the same way again. I highly recommend this book.

Highly recommended​!

Definitely a favorite!! It's encouraging, fun, captivating, and inspiring, especially being read by the author!

THE GOD I LOVE

WHAT A GRIPPING BOOK. TOLD BY JONI SO HONESTLY AND FROM THE HEART. BEING NARRATED BY JONI WAS LIKE HAVING A CONVERSTION WITH HER. I AM IMPRESSED WITH HER AID TO THE LESS FORTUNATE.
HER VULNARABILITY REGARDING HEER DISABILITY HAS MADE THIS ONE OF MY BEST LOVED BOOKS.