7 Days to a Hope Inspired LifeSample

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Go figure. As a little kid, I didn’t really realize I was different until I showed up to my first day of school.

That first day of kindergarten was a disaster! My mom remembers how I couldn’t stop crying. See, I was born without arms and legs. And growing up, my parents treated me just like a normal kid because I was a normal kid! Apparently, my classmates couldn’t handle the shock of seeing a kid without limbs. Some of them laughed, some freaked out, and others just avoided me.

This experience was just the beginning of a long journey toward finding my identity. I’ve had my ups and downs, and even a season of depression in my teen years. But through it all, I’ve learned to let God define me...not others who see me.

Now that I’m an adult, I’ve grown familiar with double-takes. Everywhere I go, I can feel people glancing in my direction. But here’s what God has done. He’s taught me to use those otherwise awkward moments for His glory. He’s taught me to catch people’s eyes and to smile back until they smile, too.

Life without limbs has opened up incredible opportunities to touch people, and meet them in their weakness. Jesus taught me to smile, to talk, and to reflect His love. And by the way, once I got to know my little kindergarten buddies, we got along just fine!