Temple Grandin’s brain works differently than yours or mine
Temple Grandin’s brain works differently than yours or mine. Mute for the first three years of her life she was diagnosed with Autism. Nevertheless today she has a PhD, teaches at the college level, and is a sought after consultant in the Ag industry.
I first saw her on TED.com, but many of you have seen her HBO movie recently. You can tell from her appearance and presentation that there is something “special” about her, but you would never have labeled her as Autistic. She has become the poster child for what Autistic people can do.
But for me her story has more to do with what YOUR brain is capable of.
In the Gospel lesson for next Sunday, the Lent 3c, Jesus deals with the way people are judged and are thought of as personally responsible for their misfortune; like when the prominent Tele-Evangelist recently blamed the Haitian earthquake on the Haitian’s people sins. “Do you think,” Jesus said, “that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans?” The answer, of course, is no. He continues by warning people about the importance of tending to their own shortcomings. (Luke 13:1-9)
It is easy to blame people for their trouble. In fact we often blame ourselves when misfortune befalls us. “There must be something wrong with me (them) that God would allow this to happen.”
Temple Grandin helps us put a new spin on brain function and people who are “special” when she reveals the gift of the Autistic brain. Most fascinating to me was the graphic slide showing the fMRI of her brain and optical nerve compared to the “normal” person. Obviously her brain is more developed in those areas. It is clear how this “over-developed” brain function would lead to what she calls “thinking with pictures.”
My whole point is this: You and I underestimate and even minimize what our own brain is capable of doing. One of the best features of Christian life is something called “discipleship.” Discipleship is a learning program where one learns how to think the way Jesus thinks… but not just limited to thinking, discipleship is training the brain to act like Jesus would.
Instead of blaming our (their) misfortune on us (them), our best effort should be placed on learning how to use every situation to grow and be better people or “disciples.” Change your mind (your brain function) to achieve all the good and loving actions and thoughts, they way that Temple Grandin and Jesus did.
Yes, you can reprogram your brain!
Here is the link to Temple Grandin’s TED talk.
I love you – Bryan Martin
