What Makes Us Human?

Man's uniqueness as a being created in the image of God shows up in many ways. The following story by Debbie Gilbert demonstrates one of them in a beautiful way.

A few years ago at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with the resolve to run the race to finish and win. All, that is, except for one boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry. The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and paused. Then every one of them turned around and went back. One girl with Down's syndrome bent down, kissed the fallen boy, and said, "This will make it feel better." Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the finish line.

At last, the real meaning of the human race! May its spirit be with us all!

Editor's Note: Man's unique nature allows him to feel sympathy, to forgive, to worship God, to create art and music, and many other similar behaviors. One of the interesting points about these characteristics is that they are not a function of our intelligence. As the story above demonstrates, some of the least gifted among us demonstrate man's uniqueness in clear and beautiful ways.

Back to Contents Does God Exist?, JanFeb99.