Joni Eareckson Tada

"A diving accident in 1967 left Joni Eareckson Tada a quadriplegic and in a wheelchair, unable to use her hands. After two years of rehabilitation, Joni re-entered the community with new skills and a fresh determination to help others in similar situations. “My church made a huge difference in my family’s life as they demonstrated the love of God in practical ways,” says Joni.

Mrs. Tada wrote of her experiences in her international best-selling biography, Joni. Her name is now recognized in countries around the world following the distribution in many languages of her biography and the full-length feature film JONI. She has personally visited over 41 countries."

(As quoted from her website Joni and Friends)

I have personally mat Joni, when I was about 10 years old, at a local church in Southern California. I remember I was amazed at how beautiful be was and how she was so happy for no apparant reason. She was in her element at her home church and to this day, even though our conversation lasted only about a minute, she is one of the kindest people Ive met. She has the joy of Christ, despite her personal misfortune.

I encourage you to look around her website to see all the amazing things she does despite her disability. She is an example of what we as Christians should be.

Francine Rivers

My first experience with Francine Rivers came at a very important time for me, my first heartbreak. I read her novel, Redeeming Love, and had a vivid picture of what love should be and moreso what God's love is like. Francine is a author who's books have touched many peoples lives, just like her first christian novel changed mine. She became a born again Christian in 1986, and her life from that point has been one that all Christians can relate to. I strongly encourage you to read her testimony on her webpage. As a writer myself, I find her so inspiring for the way she is able to use her creativity as a tool to further the kingdom.

Click here to watch a video of Francine discussing her writing!

Sandy Allen

Sandy Allen is the world tallest living woman. I first learned about her one night while watching a special on The Learning Channel about the worlds tallest man. I was intrigued by her strength and personality. Sandy has a pituitary disorder that has caused her to grow at an unusually rapid rate. At 10 years old she stood 6'3" tall. Currently, she is 7'7" tall and because of excessive strain on her knees and circulation she is confined to a wheelchair. Her personality is one of a woman that never gives up. She recognizes that the greatest hardship in her life is also the greatest gift. She uses the fame she has been given to speak and give hope to others suffering from diseases. In 2001 a book entitled Cast A Giant Shadow was released about her life. Sandy is an inspiration to me, and many other people worldwide. She challenges us to look beneath the surface beauty to the soul of a person for thier true beautiful qualities. She teaches all that meet her that it doesnt matter the frame we are given, or the difficulties we face, it is what we do with them that count.