Happy Friday Friends!
I hope & trust this post finds you having a great day as a beautiful new day begins to dawn on the Texas Gulf Coast!
Earlier this week I had the opportunity to introduce a truly remarkable woman prior to a speech she was giving at the launch of the Ability Resource Group. At 8 months old she got polio and this left her with partial paralysis on one side of her body and lack of strength on the other side. She had a dream of being a doctor. She grew up in a time before ADA laws and the protections they provide. She went to 4 different medical schools to meet with the Deans. She asked each one if she could become a doctor. Two of the Deans told her that she could not become a physician. Another gave some answer that was basically "no" however they appeared to be aware that there might be legal ramifications of saying such a thing. The last school said, "why couldn't you?" As she noted, "they looked at what I could do instead of what I couldn't do." This woman's life is a great great example of strength, perseverance & self-less service. This woman's life is a great inspiration and I am truly blessed to call her "friend." :)
I have shared this before and I feel compelled to share it again...it was transformational to me. Driving home listening to the radio several years ago, a lady called in for prayer for her young son. She explained that her son had disabilities. As soon as the sweet Mom got the word "disabilities" out of her mouth, the radio host interrupted her and said, "Please tell me about your sons abilities." I don't remember the things the Mom said specifically anymore. I do remember her voice changing as she told all the special things her precious little boy could do. It was a profound perspective shift for me.
That night when I got home, I gathered my greatest calling - my amazing family - around me and we talked about abilities & disabilities. We talked about the fact that ALL of us have abilities & disabilities. Some, like my friend, have physical disabilities that are readily apparent when you look at them. This however does not change the fact that they still have many amazing abilities. Some have disabilities that we would never know by looking at them. And this does not change the fact that they many amazing abilities.
A couple of quick takeaways:
1. What are you looking for? You see, we find what we are looking for. If you are looking for what a person cannot do you will certainly be able to find it. Likewise, if you are looking for what a person can do you will find it as well. It all comes back to us and what we are looking for. While nobody can do everything, everybody can do many things and they can add great value to you, your work, your life. It is tragic that we would eliminate anyone simply because there are a couple of things they cannot do while there are countless things they can do.
2. I really like the folks who know who they really are, don't you? Have you ever noticed how much time people, including you & I, spend trying to hide their weaknesses, our disabilities. We cover them up any way we can - be it with clothing, an aggressive attitude or speech, by not even trying. These are all defense mechanisms to prevent others from seeing who we really are, to not let them know that we have some sort of disability. Those with physical disabilities don't always have that opportunity. There is no way to hide who they are and in this, many find great freedom...they are free to be themselves. There is great wisdom there Friends! We all have disabilities! To know who we are, to embrace our purpose and to walk boldly & confidently in that purpose is something that is available to all of us. Not to do so is perhaps the greatest disability.
Please don't hesitate to contact me at any time if there is ever anything I can do for you. I will always help you any way I can. You can reach me at kevin@whatwillyourinfluencebe.com.
Have a great day, a wonderful weekend and please cherish your precious families.
Kev
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