UNSEEN TALENT
UNSEEN TALENT
Nancy B. Detweiler
For years, my sister has written poetry from her heart. Few knew. Neighbors see her walk her beloved dog, Bogey; few know the depths of feeling inside her … the extent of her talent for expressing those feelings with words. This week, many of us held in our hands the lovely evidence of this ability—two just off the press books of her poetry. We marvel at her talent … her capacity to write from her heart.
http://www.amazon.com/Poetic-Stops-Along-Pathway-Life/dp/1938743091/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1376795782&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=evelyn+smith%2C+Poetic+Stops+Along+the+Pathway+of+Life
http://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Christmas-Through-Years-Evelyn/dp/1938743938/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376795929&sr=1-1&keywords=evelyn+smith%2C+Reflections+of+Christmas
**************
I couldn’t help but think of others who live their lives–invisible talent longing to come forth and find expression.
We meet people everyday … do we see them as a unique individuals? … do we recognize that within everyone lies latent talent to excel in some form? … do we accept them as they are, no matter how different they may appear? Do we seek to know them … OR … do we reject them … never bothering to get to know them and their dreams?
I think of a young man in Ghana who dreams of creating inspirational videos for his people and the world. He presently creates and posts them on facebook, dreaming of the day he can afford the equipment he needs to make professional quality videos. Here’s one of Christoper Forson’s videos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wq9KlaS3p6c&feature=youtu.be
Branden James, openly gay in a traditional family who had trouble accepting him and had never heard him sing, is now a semi-finalist on the 2013 America’s Got Talent. His family has been reunited. Branden, who had never sung for anyone, takes command of the stage and sings like a Pro.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf0z1Bx6eAE
Susan Boyle will always stand tall in my mind as one who had not developed the poise and grace needed to bring her recognition. Judges and audience openly laughed at her and her dream to become a professional singer. That is until she opened her mouth and sang! Laughter and making fun of her quickly transformed into wild appreciation and astonishment. We know the rest of Susan’s story! And all we had to do is listen!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OcQ9A-5noM
May we learn to view every human being as a child of God who harbors his/her own unique talent or ability to contribute their share in creating a more loving, appreciative world for everyone!
