Some times the greatest curse of all is to be labeled as someone who has potential. That branding has caused many to crumble under the pressure and expectations of others. But even for those who struggle with the expectations of others, the truth remains the same.
Residing within each of us is contribution. Within the framework of our ‘fearful and wonderful design’ are the seeds of giftedness… the ability and a talent whom others may share, cannot be fully duplicated in anyone.
I believe this! It is what I read in the story of each of ours personal redemption (Ephesians 2:8-10), and no matter what the ravages of life have done to us, it is still there. I believe it not only remains inside, but it hungers and desires expression, wanting to be played, as if part of a great symphony.
Within each of us who know Christ is a unique and ultimate contribution for Christ. I was reminded of this again, as I read the storyline behind the movie, “The Soloist.”
The book, and now movie, is about a chance-meeting between L.A. Times Columnist Steve Lopez, and Nathaniel Anthony Ayer, a homeless, schizophrenic who also happens to be an amazingly talented musician on the streets of Los Angeles. Below is an excerpt from part one of a five-part series by Lopez. (A link for the entire article is below)
The point of this blog entry is one-sided, and straight-forward…
What are you letting hold you back? Do you recognize and choose to play out the God-given destiny and contribution that resides within you? Or do you let life conqueror the life that is within you? Do you… will you play? Check out the articles, the book, the movie… let Nathaniel challenge you!
Excerpt from the L.A. Times article…
Nathaniel was shy in our first encounter a few months ago, if not a little wary. He took a step back when I approached to say I liked the way his violin music turned the clatter around downtown L.A.’s Pershing Square into an urban symphony.
“Oh, thank you very much,” he said politely, apologizing for his appearance. He had gone through a couple of recent setbacks, Nathaniel said, but he intended to be whole again soon and playing at a higher level.
Next time I saw him, he had relocated to the mouth of the 2nd Street tunnel near Hill Street.
“Well, first of all, it’s beautiful here,” said Nathaniel, 54, who told me he had been diagnosed many years ago with schizophrenia. “And right there is the Los Angeles Times building. New York, Cleveland, Los Angeles. All I have to do is look up at that building and I know where I am.”
Nathaniel had an orange shopping cart that contained all of his belongings, including a huge plastic water gun, a single black boot and his violin case. We were practically in the shadow of the new Disney Concert Hall, and although Nathaniel said he wasn’t sure where it was, he had written the following on the side of his shopping cart:
“Little Walt Disney Concert Hall — Beethoven.”
Nathaniel plays classical music, some of it recognizable to me, some of it not. One day, I asked if he could play jazz, and he tucked the violin under his chin, closed his eyes in anticipation of the ecstasy that music brings him and began to play “Summertime.” He doesn’t always hit every note, but it’s abundantly clear that Nathaniel has been a student of music for many years.
(Link to full article)
