Saturday, October 16, 2010

Strength Within

"The obstacles that come to us are not to destroy us, but to say to us, do you know who you are? You are more powerful than you think." (Alonzo King )


In reading the NY Times I came across this article about a man with cerebral palsy who was kicked off a U.S. Airways flight because he was "too disabled to fly alone." He just happened to be a motivational speaker who missed his speaking engagement because of the flight cancellation and is shocked by the incident since he has spent his entire life being taught and teaching others that "though he has a disability, he should be strong enough to overcome life's challenges without any special treatment from others." 


Reading this article reminded me of a documentary I saw last summer of a dancer by the name of Homer Avila who had his leg amputated because of cancer. Despite this devastating disability in which everyone thought he would be confined to a wheelchair and crutches his entire life he defies expectations with beauty and strength and continues to dance. 


The article and documentary (its only 20 min.!) are interesting to compare, they make me realize how much I take my health and strength for granted. If these two men can persevere with grace, what right  do I have to complain?! 


Please take a moment to look at both of these mens stories, reflect, and comment!



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