Dear Younger Me

By: Pastor Mike Matthews

If I could write to myself in 7th grade, this would be my words. I’ve changed the name of a “teacher” but their actions were real. I share with my readers so they can have hope in what God can do with a life the world counts out. With  God, nothing is impossible….

Michael,

Your father died today. Nobody knows at school and no teacher cared to ask. Today is also the day that Mrs. Jane Doe starts her attempts to get you  away from “normal” kids. She pulls you out of class and tells you, “I’m going to prove you don’t belong here. The soccer. The football. You don’t have the smarts to be here.”

She does not stop her attempts until 11th grade. We never knew why, but pap or TRIPIL advocates probably played a role in making this bigot stop. Also at this time, I know you are being abused by teens your age and adults. No body cares to ask. They think you are angry because of cerebral palsy. They don’t know the war your soul has been going through. Teachers label you a problem child while one of their peers is putting you through hell calling you horrible things behind close doors. You are forced to fight bullies because no one stands up for you. You are intelligent but people don’t realize the crap you are fighting.

I’m here to tell you are life turned out beautiful . God takes us and makes us a disability right advocate, pastor, comic, husband and father.

Yes! You have a son! He’s a carbon copy of your wit and sarcasm. He’s a miracle.  The boy, “nobody would love” becomes a man of God teaching others the love of Jesus. Your life turns out beautiful. Yeah, many more challenges come but also greater joys. Keep limping strong, for soon, you’ll be limping for Jesus and teaching others his grace and love is sufficient.

Limp on! Limp well. Limp loved.

Sincerely,

Your older self