Mind That Gets You a Kiss of The Pope: Tony Melendez
Sun Mar 14 18:01:50 2010
No matter how much you think something is impossible. No matter how many people tell you that you must give up. This guy will prove everyone wrong.
I would like to tell you about a person who inspired millions of people. A man who gave a gift of hope to billions. A highly tallented composer, singer and musician, after hearing whom, Pope John Paul II came down from a stage and delivered a kiss. I am talking about Tony Melendez!
Tony has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including special commendations from President Reagan, The State of California, Variety Clubs of America, Very Special Arts, The City of Los Angeles, and countless other civic and charitable organizations.
Tony Melendez is the leader of the Toe Jam Band where he plays the guitar and sings the music that he writes. Tony recorded his first album in 1989, a collection of contemporary Christian songs entitled "Never Be the Same", which resulted in nominations for Best New Artist of the Year from Cashbox Magazine and the Gospel Music Association.
That's quite a lot of accomplishments for a single person, isn't it?
During high school years, Tony also considered becoming a priest but couldn't, because priests were required to have an index finger and thumb... wait a second... what? Now, here's a kicker, Tony was born without arms. None at all.
You've read it correctly, Tony is a guitar player, and a very good one at that. He plays with his feet with the guitar placed on the floor. Check out the video.
Now, the point is not what amazing tasks a human can perform with their feet. It's about what amazing tasks a human brain can do. During those days when Tony was just starting to strike the first chords, how many people do you think told him that it just couldn't be done? That it was impossible?
How many people do you think would simply give up after a few failed attemps, or even not start playing at all, using their excuse of "sorry, got no arms!"? How many people would simply sit at home watching TV, hating themselves?
Tony was different than most, he had a great goal, and a burning desire to achieve it. And he did it! Isn't this an outstanding example that nothing is impossible?
If you point out that he couldn't become a priest when he wished, think again. As a musician, he inspired and gave hope of life to far more people than he would as a priest; and isn't that what a real priest would do? I tend to think so.
Nothing's impossible - get it!
Comments
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Tue Jul 12 22:52:30 2011
I had the blessing of seeing Tony perform and what a blessing it was. What a talented and humble servant of God. I share his CD with my class every year to show them that nothing is impossible and everyone has a gift.
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Sat Mar 20 21:37:01 2010
Amazing!