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Come On, Ben: A mentally challanged hero - 3/9/2010 9:11:14 AM
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jasongoldtrap
Posts: 41
Joined: 3/5/2010
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Come On, Ben
by Jason Goldtrap June, 2004
In 2004, I journeyed to Atlanta with two friends to attend a religious teen convention. Lads to Leaders and Leaderettes, an organization which trains children and teens for church service. I saw many fine examples of young people performing puppet shows, singing, creating inspirational artwork, etc., and, most of all, I enjoyed seeing kids be kids. The most powerful and surprising moment of the weekend touched in a profound manner.
The convention is divided depending on age and gender; this year a new category was added, a non-competitive event called the Bartimaeus Program. This gathering was designed to allow participation from attendees who are mentally challenged.
The small meeting room at the Hyatt Regency was packed. A young man, about 13, read an essay he had written about his grandfather, a WWII vet who rescued a fellow soldier from drowning while crossing the Rhine. Next an older gentleman, about 55, stood up and led a verse of "How Great Thou Art." The final participant spoke the greatest lesson I heard that weekend.
Ben, a young man about 15, walked with his companion to the front of the room and stood behind the podium. His friend then gingerly returned to his seat.
It's not easy being 15. I cannot fathom how many challenges and disappointments a teen like Ben faces. He sees his friends shooting basketball but he can not run. He wants to play X-Box but he lacks the coordination or the faculties to operate the controller. I cannot imagine the isolation, the disappointment, and the feeling of utter worthlessness that can creep into your life like a poisonous snake.
An unidentified voice came from the back of the room, "Come on, Ben, come on."
Ben's eyes darted from left to right. It's hard to stand up in a room full of strangers.
"You can do it Ben, you can do it."
A few beads of sweat swelled on his brow.
"Come on buddy; go ahead, it's all right!"
Ben took a deep breath, let out a sigh, and with a voice that was weak, yet strong, sang the chorus of a beautiful hymn written by Clarence H. Woolston in 1913.
"Jesus loves the little children,
All the children of the world.
Red and yellow, black and white,
They are precious in His sight.
Jesus loves the little children of the world."
The crowd stood and applauded for five minutes. Every heart was bursting with joy: every eye was filled with tears.
From Ben I gleaned three lessons. It is humbling to witness those who project the magnificent joy of life unhindered by their circumstances. The greatest leaders are forged, by faith, in adversity. Lastly, though often unseen, dynamic, gentle giants walk amongst us, who have tempered hearts, as tender as a flower and as strong as steel.
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"Teen Girl from Mars" an optimistic, values oriented, romantic, funny novel by Jason Goldtrap. JasonGoldtrap.com
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RE: Come On, Ben: A mentally challanged hero - 3/9/2010 9:55:07 PM
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Crushmaster
Posts: 481
Joined: 7/21/2009
From: The South, In The Good Ol' U.S. of A.
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That was really good. Thanks for sharing.
God bless,
Crushmaster.
_____________________________
http://www.areyouagoodperson.org
(2 Corinthians 5:17) - "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
Christ is Lord and King! To Him I give all glory and honor.
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RE: Come On, Ben: A mentally challanged hero - 3/10/2010 3:27:38 AM
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gralan
Posts: 2315
Joined: 1/29/2010
From: RV in Texas
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Thank you for your posting this story.
_____________________________
suffering servant, gralan,
BTh student TGSAT
//TrinityTheology.org/
//freecourses.trinitytheology.org/
The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever...
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RE: Come On, Ben: A mentally challanged hero - 3/12/2010 6:46:48 AM
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wilsonbob
Posts: 60
Joined: 7/29/2008
Status: offline
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Great lesson, great story, great writing.
Thanks!
wb
_____________________________
A person with a servant's heart is never happy...until they serve.
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