Everyone is self-conscious about something. Whether it’s about our background, our size, our voice or our bodies– being embarrassed is part of the human experience. But this doesn’t mean that shame is something we should feel. We feel it, sure, but more often than not the things we are ashamed of are the things that we have no control over– or even the things that others would be downright proud of.
While negative feelings can have lasting impacts, one case of misplaced disgrace resulted in an outpouring of positive energy– and it’s all thanks to one earnest worker and her wise words. When a new resident at an assisted living home in Texas was preparing for a manicure, her insecurities were the catalyst for something that would bring smiles to people all over the world.
When the Activity Director at the assisted living home, Brandalyn Mae Porter, took to painting this woman’s nails, Porter was surprised to hear the woman request clear nail polish. While many may have simply nodded and moved on with the process, Brandalyn voiced her confusion at the decision, suggesting a more “fun” color.
The reply to Brandalyn’s query was disheartening at best. “My hands are ugly,” the woman said, “I don’t want to draw attention to them.” It’s difficult to imagine how hearing those words must have felt to someone as caring as Porter; but, a moment’s reflection gave her a reply that changed everything. Knowing that words can change a life, she dug deep for a moving and thoughtful reply:
“Your hands tell the story of your life. They tell the story of love, of care and adventure. These hands have touched and held things that most people can only wish to one day.”
The power of words, as unexpected as may be, can best be seen in a picture. Brandalyn snapped a photo of the woman’s freshly manicured hands with bright pink nail polish. The photograph and accompanying story just go to show the truth of Porter’s message. There is beauty in a life well-lived, and this beauty exceeds our traditional expectations.
While one hand and the life it represents are all the inspiration we need, the story doesn’t end there. Reflecting on the change her simple statement made in one woman’s life, Brandalyn shared her story on the Love What Matters Facebook page. With one simple post, Porter’s message of love and beauty spread worldwide and continues to change lives today.
Today, the post has accrued more than 166,000 shares and has encouraged countless people to share their hands– and their stories. Whether new photos or old ones, each photo is accompanied by a reflection on the experiences that makes these hands beautiful. From newborn palms to the faded knuckles of fallen family members, there is no single story that captures the brilliance of each one-of-a-kind hand.
The story just goes to show the power and reach a few words of kindness can have when we are bold enough to share them with the world. We invite you to participate in the wealth of optimism and encouragement in the Facebook thread below. Read a few posts and you may find yourself lending a hand to the movement, too!
https://www.facebook.com/lovewhatreallymatters/photos/a.710462625642805.1073741828.691679627521105/1221254441230285/?type=3
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