I always enjoyed listening to guest speakers during the many “anything is possible” type assemblies in school. Hearing the stories of people’s talents and how they started their careers was fascinating. Although, I always felt a little sad at the end because it was never anything feasible for me. I hoped one day someone would come and talk about what to do when your entire body works differently than others. No one did, which isn’t all that surprising considering I was the only student with a visible disability in my elementary school. God had to teach my young mind and heart His purposes for my gifts and limitations through other means. The road was rough at times, but it really helped me trust God’s infinite Wisdom and not rely on my own flawed understanding. That’s why I jumped at the chance when I was invited to speak to the elementary (1st-5th grade) students at Scottsdale Christian Academy.

Even though none of the students had visible disabilities, I knew that inevitably at least a few of them were bound to feel “different” or inadequate in some way. So, it was a profound blessing to share my story and illustrate that even when we are “differently-abled,” we are all still wonderfully made in God’s hands. To get them fully engaged with this concept, I provided the the teachers with a “Butterfly Abilities” worksheet on which their classes could write out or draw the ways they saw God using their own talents AND differences to help them realize their dreams.

A few of the students had some very thoughtful questions for me afterwards, such as: “What does it feel like to have a disability?”  Kids’ questions are always so sincere, refreshing and ones I’m delighted to answer because my goal is to eliminate fear, while helping today’s youth become confident of their identities in Christ and develop compassion and respect for everyone around them.

I hope you enjoy the video (be sure to like, subscribe and share)!

If you are part of a school faculty and would like me to come speak to your students, please email me via the contact page. I look forward to hearing from you!

 “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.”  -Psalms 139:13-15

Click here to read a testimonial from SCA’s Elementary Principal, Sheri Moy.