Messenger

Someone very wise once said, "What are we fighting over? Land, money. They don't really matter. We're also fighting over religion. But with religion, there's always one basic ideal- we're trying to become better people - and also the belief that there is something greater than us, greater than the here and now. there are many names for that... It doesn't matter how we try to become a better person."

Would you believe me if I told you these words came from an 11-year old?

Mattie Stepanek was born with a rare disorder called dysautonomic mitochondrial mypoathy. His mother, Jeni, has the adult onset version, and his three older siblings died from it. When Mattie passed away in 2004 at age 13, he was a world renowned poet, motivational speaker, and peace advocate. Mattie's mother, Jeni, wrote the book Messenger: The Legacy of Mattie J.T. Stepanek and Heartsongs, on his life and legacy.

His motto was 'Think Gently, Speak Gently, Live Gently' and he certainly has a lot to teach the world, even after his death. I remember getting one of his books of poetry from my Nana when I was maybe 13 years old. I remember sitting in my room and reading it, saddened and inspired and awed by this little kid all at once. Even though I was older than he was, being so young I couldn't fully grasp, at that time, the weight and importance behind his message, although I ceratinly do now.

This book is a must read. Not only for those with an interest in learning about life with special needs, but for every.single.person. Mattie has a message that must be heard.

"Let our breath be gentle wind,
Let our ears be of those who listen,
Let our hearts be not ones
That rage so quickly and
Thus blow dramatically,
And uselessly.
let our spirits attend and be
Most diligent to the soft
Yet desperate whisper of
Hope and peace for our world."



This post is one in a December series of National Blog Posting Month, where I am advocating for children with special needs. To make a difference in the life of someone living with special needs, check out THIS POST.