Bethel

The Oscar activities are not something that I watch or to which I pay much attention,

but on occasion something fascinating pops up regarding them and so it is this

year. A rather surprising, and to some, shocking, nomination for best song has been

made. The ray of sunshine in an otherwise dark and dreary landscape was the

nomination of Joni Eareckson Tada singing Alone Yet Not Alone, for an Oscar.

This is an amazing development for several reasons. Joni has been a quadriplegic

since 1967, when she was injured in a diving accident. This also means that she is

in her sixties and has been confined to a wheel chair for almost fifty years. But in

addition, she is an outspoken Christian with a Reformed streak and the song is from

a movie made by Christians with a Christian message.

Joni has risen above her circumstances and shown how to honor Christ by her joyful

submission to God’s will and purposes for her life. She has contributed in many

ways over the years to the church and has been a shining example of grace and

faith in the face of adversity. In her books and testimony, she has rejoiced in the

sovereignty of God who does all things perfectly, even in what we see as tragedies.

Then, every once in a while, for reasons only He knows, God throws in a surprise.

I doubt that the Oscar committee will let her win, but that she has received this honor

from them is not only surprising, but a reminder to us all that God is never limited by

our limitations and neither the doors of Hollywood nor the gates of hell can prevail

against Him.