To my Lucky Fin Friends who’ve had a hard week in the face of adversity, having been called “deformed” (and a number of other grievances that have been shared), I offer this encouragement:
I’ve performed and spoken in stadiums, theaters, hospitals, and schools all over the world, and I’ve heard every question and been called most every term under the sun. 🙂
This lesson has stuck with me: the kid who walks in the classroom and shouts “gross” when he first sees me, is often the one stuffing his hand in his shirt wanting to be just like Tony Memmel ten minutes after hearing me speak and play guitar.
Develop a thick skin AND remain patient, confident, and kind in the face of adversity. That is when the world turns its head and asks the question, “What does he have that I don’t, and how can I be more like that?” That is how hearts and minds are changed.
Furthermore, occurrences like this are a good gut-check, and give me good cause to examine what TRUE JOY and confidence are built upon.
For me it starts with my faith, then my family and friends who speak truth to me in love. To paraphrase the proverb: The fool builds his house upon the sand. The wise man builds his house upon the rock.
Each day moving forward, make a pledge that no comment a stranger says will impact your day, rattle your confidence, or distract you from your goal.
When faced with a choice to be bitter or sarcastic, to stew or commiserate, choose the opposite path… it is a choice. It will change your life.
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to serve in this community.
Love,
Tony