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Formation with John OrtbergAuthor: Become New
Formation is a podcast for leaders, seekers, and lifelong learners at the intersection of theology, psychology, and lived wisdom. Hosted by John Ortberg, PhD, each episode explores the science and soul of spiritual flourishing: what shapes us, what changes us, and what it means to be fully human. Topics include:- Spiritual formation- Contemplative practice- The psychology of transformation and habit change- Leadership, character, and the inner life- Theology in dialogue with modern science- Emotional health, resilience, and purposeLearn more by visiting formationpodcast.com Language: en Genres: Arts, Religion & Spirituality Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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007. Quadriplegia, Despair, and Learning to Truly Live ft. Joni Eareckson Tada
Wednesday, 8 July, 2026
Joni Eareckson Tada became a quadriplegic at seventeen after a diving accident that severed her spinal cord. In the nearly six decades since, she has written dozens of books, founded a global disability ministry, survived two bouts of cancer, and woken up every single morning asking Jesus to get her through the day.This is a conversation about what it means to receive suffering with both hands: the anger, the prayers that didn't get answered the way she hoped, the agony, and what gets faithfully built through it all.About the GuestJoni Eareckson Tada became a quadriplegic at seventeen after a diving accident that severed her spinal cord. In the decades since, she has become one of the most recognized voices on suffering, disability, and faith in the world. She is the founder and CEO of Joni and Friends, a global ministry serving people with disabilities in over 100 countries. Her memoir, Joni, has sold more than five million copies. She is an artist, author, and speaker who has shared platforms with Billy Graham and appeared on programs from the Today Show to venues around the world. She and her husband, Ken, live in California.AMA Opportunity:Enter for a chance to ask John a question on an upcoming episode. All you need to do is follow the podcast, leave a review, take a screenshot, and email it with your question to connect@becomenew.com. One question per person; screenshot required.What This Conversation ExploresThe diving accident, the hospital room, and the slow realization that nothing was going to changeWhat it took to move from wanting to die to learning to give thanksA 17-year-old boy with a Bible and a verse from 1 Thessalonians and how he changed everythingHow a passage in Mark 1 reframed what Jesus actually came to doWhat Joni discovered about sin that she couldn't have learned on her feetThe prayer she prayed three months before her accident and what she makes of it nowWhat the cross has to do with finding God in sufferingJoni and Friends: wheelchairs, Bibles, and changing the disability culture of entire countriesDisability ministry as disability discipleshipTwo bouts with cancer, a radiation machine named after Jael, and what it means to press into ChristWhat to say to someone who is in pain right nowResources MentionedJoni — Joni Eareckson TadaJoni and Friends — joniandfriends.orgWheels for the World — Joni and Friends wheelchair delivery programEverything Happens for a Reason and Other Lies We Tell Ourselves — Kate BowlerWilliam Law — quote on receiving suffering with both handsDorothy Sayers — on God wrenching good from evilDallas Willard — on the heart, behavior, and the Sermon on the Mount2 Corinthians 4:8, Philippians 4:13, 1 Kings 19 — Scripture discussedAbout FormationFormation is a podcast that explores the science and soul of spiritual formation. Each episode brings together the ancient wisdom of the contemplative tradition and the best of modern research. John Ortberg sits down with some of the most rigorous and honest thinkers working at the intersection of faith and human flourishing for extended, unhurried conversations about how we are being shaped. New episodes every other week, wherever you listen to podcasts.Connect with FormationWebsite: formationpodcast.comFollow John: @formationjohnWrite to us: editors@formationpodcast.comFormation is produced by Become New, a community dedicated to helping you grow spiritually, one day at a time. Subscribe for daily teaching from John Ortberg at becomenew.com/subscribe.Would you do us a favor? Make sure you're following the podcast. (It helps the show reach more people.)
