Overcoming Limitations

In the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Doug Cummings writes:

Lonnie Edwards, a physical-education instructor...was explaining square-dancing to his 5th grade class at Hooper Alexander Elementary School in DeKalb County, GA. As he called the children to their places, boy-girl, boy-girl, Nancy, a little red-headed girl, said she was not coming. She started to cry and walked away, carrying a towel over her hands.

Edwards approached the 12-year old girl cautiously. With her back to the other students, Nancy privately revealed why she couldn't possibly hold hands with boys: She had been born with only her pinkies and two partial fingers. Amazingly, she had hidden her deformity from teachers-she was able to hold a pencil-but the students knew about it and were cruel to her.

Gathering himself, Edwards said, "Nancy, we can't do anything about this problem, but I can help you overcome it and become the best you can be. Now I want you to hold your head up. From this moment on, you will no longer use this as a limitation."

Slowly, Nancy gave him the towel, which he never returned. Four days later, Edwards began the square dance as Nancy's partner. Soon all the children seemed willing, even eager, to touch Nancy's hands.

That was in 1971. Over the next two years, Edwards continued to encourage Nancy.

Today, Nancy Miller, 38, can do almost anything she sets her mind to, including playing the piano and typing about 65 words per minute. Married, she lives in Orlando with her husband and four children...

"I grew up because of one man," Miller says.

Do you know someone crippled by shame? In the presence of others, be the first to show you accept that person. Acceptance is a precious gift we all can give others.

Source: 750 Engaging Illustrations, Craig Larson, page 10