The challenges with regards to most disabilities whether physical or mental is that they are permanent and lifelong.
Members of the community of disabled persons dislike being referred to as “handicapped”. Though one may lack the full extent of certain abilities, this does not have to severely ” handicap” one’s overall progress in life.
Through developing certain qualities a disabled person can unleash his or her potential to complete most of the tasks of life adequately – even as much as a fully able person.
Andrew Nelson was born without legs 42 years ago, yet for most of his life he climbs trees and does farming as well as landscaping.
His passion for and practice of farming started as early as 5 years old. Instead of giving up, he observed other persons practicing their craft.
Mr. Nelson refuses pity and does not see himself as being any less than his peers. At the same time, he welcomes the inner strength that comes from his encouraging friends.
His motto is: “There are chances in life that will make you successful. Think about things carefully before you give up. “
Whatever ability you may be deficient in, try to follow the example of Andrew Nelson.
No legs? No problem!
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When persons to whom we look to for guidance and mentorship feedback tells us that “you will come out to nothing” this is one of the worst ways of damaging someone’s self-esteem. This can cause a deep sense of worthlessness. The individual come to believe that nothing is worth trying because the “prophesied” failure seems inevitable. Nevertheless, a wonderful truth is that everyone is born with great inner potential. Each person has a special gift. The duty of parents, guardians, teachers and other mentors is to help each person to recognize their potential and gifts. They should work with each individual to nurture the untapped potential within them.
These are the lessons that we can learn from Ms. Shawna Kay Williams-Pinnock they are found in a letter she wrote to the editor in the Jamaica Observer entitled “Challenge ‘you will never come out to nutten’. (see the link below)
Let each of us be careful of what words we say to those over whom we have influence. Words can make or break a person. As well word can ensure success.
Ms. Williams- Pinnock was gracious enough to share about all the people who had positively influenced her total transformation. As shared, she was fortunate enough to have at least twelve (12) persons who contributed positively to her life development.
We may not recognize the number of persons that we will influence for good or evil as we express our opinions about them.
From Poverty to two academic degrees
Inner- resilience can help anyone to break certain barriers of poverty which can affect succeeding generation.
Despite the fact that Ms. Jody-Ann Pottinger was pregnant twice before the age of 21 growing up in a rural community, facing daily hunger as well as a period of homelessness. She worked assiduously to gain two university degrees which has lead her to her career path of being a teacher and an entrepreneur.
Aspects of Ms. Pottinger’s resilience included:
Facing herself despite family and community backlash
Hard work and determination
Trust in God
Having neutering support where “one hand washes the other” and being part of a supportive church community.
Our circumstances don’t have to define all of us. All of us have inner potential for success.
Click on the link below to view the full article.
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/outlook/20200412/breaking-barriers-one-degree-time