One of my favorite songs of all time is “This is Me” by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Keala Settle’s brilliant version, sung during her audition for “The Greatest Showman,” is one I listen to regularly. It reminds me of the strength and courage it takes to put yourself out there even when the world isn’t interested or would prefer you go away or keep quiet.
“This is Me” is re-imagined in the image above and performed by a group of differently abled kids, including a young boy whose family was told he would never be able to communicate. His sister disagreed and taught him sign language. He is an amazing, heartfelt communicator! Click HERE or on the image above to listen to their performance.
I’ve said it before and will keep saying it until this simple truth is universally accepted - our differences are what will save us from ourselves. Within them lie the keys to solving some of the world’s most pressing problems if we can just stop judging and start listening to one another’s stories.
There is a reason human beings are storytellers. We instinctively know that each of us has a piece of our collective story. No two people - even identical twins - experience the world the same way. Stories help bridge divides, teach us about one another, and open doors to the imagination. Stories, however we choose to tell them (music, song, dance, words, 3D worlds, sign language, smoke signals), are how we make sense of our world and one another. We need each and every story, each and every voice to be heard.
Stay tuned for details about a new story I am plotting ;-)
Hugs!
Jena
Damn! I'm crying and can't speak. It's wonderful when someone loves you so much that they're willing to invest their time and believe that you can achieve things no one else can see. This is an exceptional piece! Bless you Jena! You are an enormously lovely human being.
So powerful!!!!