We don’t always get to choose our circumstances, but we do get to choose our attitude. Meet Jessica Cox. Born without arms, she has spent her life doing the seemingly impossible and is now the first certified armless pilot, in addition to being a certified scuba diver and a third-degree black belt in taekwondo. She has also traveled the world as a motivational speaker inspiring countless people in over 20 countries. Some people may look at Jessica and think she is disabled. But she has never let her missing arms get in the way of her accomplishments. Rather she has decided what she wants to do and then and puts her focus on figuring out a way that will work for her. In the summer of 1976, a group of Israeli soldiers who had lost limbs in their service, came to the US and had the opportunity to meet with the spiritual leader, the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Upon meeting the group of soldiers, the Rebbe began explaining why he didn’t approve of the word “disabled” which is how they were usually called. He explained: “‘If a person has been deprived of a limb or a faculty this itself indicates that G‑d has given him special powers to overcome the limitations this entails, and to surpass the achievements of ordinary people. You are not ‘disabled’ or ‘handicapped,’ but special and unique, as you possess potentials that the rest of us do not.” Jessica Cox is an incredible example of this idea and is an inspiration in all she does and in who she is.

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At the root of most misunderstanding and division between people is lack of healthy communication. When we can speak openly and honestly, we are able to share our thoughts and feelings so that others can connect with us. Likewise, by doing so we encourage others to share as well. Rumari Zarez, 11, and his 4th grade classmates, are wise beyond their years and show us the transformation that can take place when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and speak our truth. Rumari asked to speak to his class, and in doing so, he not only educated them about his autism but was able to receive support and friendship in return. The Hebrew word for the mouth is “peh” which is numerically equivalent to the words for “love” (ahava) and “kindness” (chesed). This teaches us that when we speak, it is to share love and kindness and to bring out the love and kindness in others. This little boy and his classmates beautifully demonstrate this.

(Cover image photo credit: Lisa Rachel Moe. Picture of Rumari Zarez with his teacher, Lisa Rachel Moe, who also filmed the video.)