“Family, Faith and Friends”
July Editorial - Wayne Turner

            You might not know that Dianne Odell died at the age of 61 on May 28, 2008, in Jackson, Tennessee.  In fact, you may have no idea who Dianne was.  She was born and lived all her life with her parents in Jackson.  Would you be surprised to learn that articles about her death appeared in media across North America, including Canada?

            When she died, Dianne had spent 58 years of her life in an iron lung.  She was believed to be the longest living iron lung survivor.  In 1950, at the age of 3, she contracted polio.  Although paralyzed in much of her body, during her life she completed high school, learned to write with her toes, took college courses through the University of Tennessee, was awarded an honorary doctorate by Freed-Hardeman University in 1987, wrote a book “Blinky Less Light” to encourage children with disabilities, was acknowledged in the U.S. House of Representatives, and became known to many people around the world for her attitude and courage.  She was visited by people like Al Gore, actress Jane Seymour and her husband, producer James Keach.  Seymour connected Dianne with “Superman” actor Christopher Reeve, with whom she spoke on the phone, after he had been paralyzed by a fall from a horse.  When Reeve asked how she avoided depression, she answered, “I pray for strength” telling him the key to overcoming was in the Three Fs – faith, family and friends.  “You can’t have one without the other.”

            Macleans magazine, bastion of Canadian secularism, devoted a whole page to Dianne’s passing!  (June 4, 2008)  The title proclaimed, “She had a rich existence as an author, friend and lover, in spite of spending her life in an iron lung.”  The article states that she was a “devout Christian throughout her life” and describes how, in her earlier years, she was taken to church in her iron lung. 

            Dianne’s faith and church family were a vitally important part of her life.  When she was about 13, against the doctor’s recommendation, she was baptized in the family bathtub.  Members of the Campbell Street Church of Christ were actively involved in her life and care.  Yet everyone who knew her always seemed to feel that their visit with Dianne did more to encourage them than it did for her.  She wrote a page called “My Philosophy of Life” which includes such thoughts as, “No one’s life is perfect…Always let people know you love them…Life is not easy for anyone…Your liability can become your asset…Whatever happens – you are blessed.”

            Her faith and character explain why Dianne had such a powerful impact on virtually everyone who came into contact with her.  Actor David Keith commented, “When you were with her, the peace, the goodness and the way the world was supposed to be all came together.”  Former Dallas Cowboy football player, Cliff Harris stated, “Knowing her made me believe there truly is a better world waiting.”  Stella Parton observed, “She had the most incredible attitude and taught those of us who knew her how to be better people.”  Opera singer Laurice Lanier said, “We human beings complain about the small stuff…she taught me to be more than thankful in the good and bad.  We are just blessed to have life.”  Jane Seymour observed, “Some people don’t deserve to be famous.  Dianne was so inspirational that she deserves fame.”

            Jesus told his disciples they are salt and light to the world.  Through their example, they would draw people to God.  Some believers seem to see this as applying more to being examples of right doctrine, practice or even living.  In Romans 5:6, 7, Paul observed that people respond differently to those who are simply “righteous” and those who are truly good.  Goodness demonstrates God’s righteousness at a personal level.  Paul notes that rarely would someone sacrifice themselves for a righteous person, but might dare to do so for one who is good.  Jesus’ image is not to a disconnected, distant light off somewhere it the distance.  The reference to a city on a hill is followed by one of a lamp shedding light to people in a room.  It is obvious that salt and light refer to a personal engagement with people that allows them not only to see but also experience God at work through our lives.  It is living in such a way that people are influenced to follow our example.

            Being salt and light does not just happen under ideal circumstances.  This is easy when everything is going well.  People want to know if Christians are real.  What happens when things are hard?  Does faith really help when we are being severely challenged?  When we are facing difficulty and adversity?  Does hardship turn us into bitter grumblers and complainers? Or do our faith and character stand strong?  Marcia McLeary, vice-president of a Jackson community service organization, said, “Dianne could have been the most bitter person because of her life.  But she cared about everyone else around her.”  We have often taught that the key to JOY is getting our priorities straight: Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last.  Dianne didn’t just teach it, she lived it.