From envy and bitterness to clarity of purpose (Psalm 73:24)

I was captivated by this short video. Joni Eareckson Tada explains how unexpected influence became a responsibility to serve. After her autobiography and film generated thousands of letters from people with disabilities struggling with depression, healing, loneliness, and isolation, she sought God’s guidance. That discernment led her to establish Joni and Friends, turning individual responses into a scalable ministry providing spiritual hope and practical assistance. The central message: influence should be intentionally stewarded for the benefit of people who need it most.

Then I realized that my heart was bitter,

    and I was all torn up inside.

I was so foolish and ignorant—

    I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.

Yet I still belong to you;

    you hold my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,

    leading me to a glorious destiny.

Whom have I in heaven but you?

    I desire you more than anything on earth.

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,

    but God remains the strength of my heart;

    he is mine forever.

Those who desert him will perish,

    for you destroy those who abandon you.

But as for me, how good it is to be near God!

    I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter,

    and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

Influence becomes meaningful when it is converted from visibility into a repeatable system that serves a clearly defined community.