Joni Eareckson Tada is one of the world's heroes. She may not be taking part in the Paralympics in London but she has run the race of life with passion, wisdom, determination and courage. As a beautiful young woman in her mid teens she dived into water that was shallower than she realised and snapped her spine. Joni has spent her life in a wheelchair since then and undergone countless indignities, overcoming huge obstacles just to live each day. Her trust in God has been an example to millions and her books have spread the message of 'living without limits' around the globe. Her example, together with those of the hundreds of so-called 'disabled' athletes taking part just now in London, speaks loudly to me. Why focus on what I cannot do? How come my mind defaults so quickly to my weaknesses or pain? What about the possibilities that are open to me with the boundaries that God has set into my life? Such is the attitude of the overcomer. Joni is just one of those and there have been others in history.
Ludwig Von Beethoven, for instance, continued to write wonderful music after he had become completely deaf in his late twenties.
David Blunkett is one of Britain's best known politicians having served in the very highest offices of state - and he is totally blind. His guide dogs have become familiar faces at Westminster and in government offices.
What each of these faces tells me is that life is meant to be lived with what we have got, not with what we have been denied. It is also the case for me as a Christian, that the presence of Christ within is the source of strength hope and inspiration. As St. Paul said: "I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength".
