Our Weaknesses Can Become Strengths
Just wanted to share a quick link to something I thought you might be interested in. Awhile ago, I came across an article about the USA soccer team’s starting goalie, Tim Howard. He has a disease called Tourette’s Syndrome. This is a neuropsychiatric disorder that causes involutary tics, or repetitious physical movements. For example, he often coughs, clears his throat, or jerks his head. You’d think that could be a problem for a soccer goalie, who requires a lot of concentration. What I found interesting is that Howard has fully accepted that this disorder is part of who he is and wouldn’t change it about himself (or take medication for it). In fact, he has reached the highest levels of success in soccer with the condition.
Sometimes we look at ourselves and perceive certain qualities that we have as being abnormal or limiting. Especially when those qualities are beyond our control. While I believe it is possible to overcome many of our weaknesses, especially with God’s help, I also think it can be empowering to acknowledge our limitations and make the most of life despite them. And who knows, maybe what we perceive as a limitation can actually become a strength in ways we don’t now understand.
Your thoughts?
(Here’s the article about Tim Howard.)
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July 13th, 2010 at 3:57 pm
Interesting. I recently saw part of a movie about a guy who became a really good high school teacher even though he had Tourette’s. I can’t remember what it’s called.
Also, not only can our weaknesses become our strengths but our strengths can become our downfall (http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=7087). I guess balance is the key.
July 23rd, 2010 at 11:46 am
Interesting! Thanks for sharing!