"What God gives us in suffering is more than he takes away."

Vaneetha Risner contracted polio as an infant, was misdiagnosed, and lived with widespread paralysis. In and out of the hospital for ten years, she faced bullying after each hospital stay. When she became a Christian, Vaneetha thought things would get easier, and for a time they did: carefree college days, a dream job in Boston, and an MBA from Stanford where she met and married a classmate.

But life unraveled again. She had four miscarriages and her son died because of a doctor's mistake. Vaneetha was later diagnosed with post-polio syndrome, meaning she would likely become a quadriplegic. And when her husband betrayed her, he moved out and left her to raise two adolescent daughters alone. 

Today on the podcast, Vaneetha is talking with Crystal about the grace God has given her to forgive those whose harmful choices radically altered the course of her life. As a modern-day Job, her story of loss, suffering, questioning, and anger has become a life filled with incomprehensible peace and joy. Sharing from her new book Walking Through Fire: A Memoir of Loss and Redemption, hear how she’s made sense of her ongoing hardships and how they have drawn her closer to Christ. Be encouraged by her courageous journey toward wholeness amidst a world of brokenness!

Order Walking Through Fire

 

Questions or comments? Email Crystal at [email protected]
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*Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Join us in answering the call in Luke 14:21-23... until his house is full! 

Founded by author and international disability advocate Joni Eareckson Tada, the ministry provides Christ-centered care that serves needs and transforms hearts through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, and Retreats and Getaways. Joni and Friends also equips individuals and churches with disability ministry training and provides higher education courses and internships through the Christian Institute on Disability. Find more encouragement through Joni's radio podcast, daily devotional, or by following us on Facebook,  Instagram, and YouTube.

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Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.

Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.