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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Right and Left (07/31/14)
Many years ago when I started going to school, writing with your left hand was almost unacceptable. My teachers tried every-thing they could to get me to use my right hand. Stubbornly, I refused to let them shape me into something I didn’t want to be, and a right-hander was one of those things. Today I am still proud to be a left-hander, even though it has caused me some problems over the years.

I recall hearing the teacher say, “Raise your right hand.” Invariably, I would raise my left hand first, realize my mistake, and quickly put it down and raise my right hand. This made me feel a little stupid at the time because I obviously knew the difference between left and right. However, my natural reaction was to raise the hand I used most often.

Then there was the matter of using a pair of scissors. Back then they didn’t make scissors for the either or hand use. My thumb would get so sore using those right-handed scissors. I bet the teachers wondered why I didn’t like art class. Thankfully, my dad bought me a special, expensive pair of left-handed scissors. I still use those same scissors today.

As I grew older, I didn’t have as many problems being left-handed. Just don’t tell me to turn left or right when I’m driving or you never know where we will end up. North, south, east or west as a direction is a better choice. Thankfully, through the years, it has become more acceptable for children to use whichever hand they desire.

I’m not sure why God made some right and some left-handed people, just as am not sure why He made some to be teachers and some to be doctors or lawyers. Why do some want to work in an office and others want to work in the great outdoors? I do believe that the Lord made us all different for a reason. Finding out what we are designed to do and accomplish will greatly enhance our joy in this life. If He made us all different for a purpose, then He has a special purpose for each of us. Searching out our special talents will help us find that purpose.

We should also do our best to help others find their God-given talents instead of trying to mold them into what we think they should be. For example, there is a fine young man I know who is very gifted in mechanics. He went to school for mechanics and was one of the top students in his class. However, he could only get his grandfather’s inheritance if he lived on the farm and became a farmer. Why do parents and grandparents try to force their children to become what they were not designed by God to be? For that matter, why do we tell people to go right when they want to go left? Who are we to say what’s best for someone, unless, of course, it goes against the Word of God.

I am sure my teachers were not trying to harm me when they tried to force me to use my right hand. I’m just thankful I was stubborn enough to be me. I am still that way today when it comes to the things of God. I want to develop the gifts and talents God has given me so I can accomplish all He wants me to accomplish while I’m here. So, don’t tell me to go right when I want to go left, or when I believe God is directing my path in another direction. I don’t want anyone to change me; I just want God to help me find out who I really am.
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This article has been read 1057 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
08/09/14
Great story! Great message, and well written, an completely on topic.

It's funny I've always been fascinated with leftys! I tried so many times while growing up to become lefty, but I never adapted to it!

Well done!

God bless~
Terry Atchison
08/09/14
Your story brings back memories. Back in the 1950s, in grade school, I remember a few of my 'lefty' classmates, having their right hand tied to their waist during writing class. Of course parents and school officials were convinced that they were doing the right thing. Bill Gates, Babe Ruth, Napolean Bonapart, Leonardo da Vinci, Marie Curie, & Aristole were a few great 'lefties'. so you are in good company.
Joyce Krznaric
08/10/14
Well written. I especially liked the last sentence. Wraps it all up very succinctly.
Phillip Cimei
08/12/14
I enjoyed your challenge entry. I didn't realize how difficult it was for lefties to adapt.

I remember when I was in the 5th grade and cut my right hand and couldn't use it to write. I learned to write left handed.

I still can sign my name with both hands at the same time.

A few comments that might help.

I was unsure where your were going with this. The opening needs to draw us into the paper seeking some answers. Your opening paragraph made me think that it was about the challenges of left handedness.

Then the body went in many directions. Gods purpose for us, school difficulties, and others.

Some silly grammar and sentence structure miscues.

Look over the judges guidelines and it will help you in your future writing.

Hope this wasn't to critical.

Keep writing

God bless
Rachel Barrett
08/14/14
Somehow I missed this one earlier! Ah yes, the joys of being a lefty in a righty world. :)

My dad was a lefty when he was young, and a harsh teacher spanked his hand with a ruler once too often. He says it made him ambidextrous but illegible either way. I am thankful that I didn't experience that.

Good piece! I enjoyed it.
C D Swanson 
08/15/14
Congrats!

God bless~