After
hearing Ken and Joni Eareckson Tada on several radio programs I was excited at
the opportunity to read their new book Joni & Ken An Untold Love Story.
Many
people may be familiar with Joni and her story on how she became a quadriplegic
and know her through her writing or ministry, Joni & Friends. But many people may be less familiar with her
husband Ken Tada. Through this book you
will get to know the man who made a commitment, for better or for worse.
Rather
than your typical biography Joni & Ken’s story seems to be told from a
perspective of someone looking back on their lives with a spotlight on significant
events and seasons of their life. Joni
and Ken are open and transparent. They
are godly people who love the Lord and each other, but don’t try to pretend that
after they married, life was happily ever after. Even good marriages can be trying, but add to
that the everyday challenges of quadriplegia.
In their book, Joni and Ken shared about their struggles and the toll that it took on
their marriage and a stretch in the doldrums, living separate lives together.
Dealing
with quadriplegia would be hard enough, but then came excruciating pain without
relief. What would the diagnosis of breast
cancer bring? That much strain could
bring even the best of marriages to the breaking point. But God had another plan…instead this would
be Joni & Ken’s finest hour. God had
been preparing Ken for this season when he would called to take care of the
precious gift of his bride, Joni.
I
must confess I found Ken and Joni’s openness and transparency painful, sobering
and at times depressing. I was challenged
because it caused me to reflect my own brokenness, but it was a much needed
reminder of my absolute dependence upon God, each and every day.
I
recommend this book, especially for couples and individuals who may be going
through a difficult season in their lives.
I think your commitment to your marriage and faith will be encouraged
and strengthened.
I
was provided with a complimentary copy of this book free from the publisher
through Book Sneeze’ book review blogger program. I was not required to give a favorable review.
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