The Boys next door

 I really enjoyed reading the Boys Next Door. At first I was not sure what to expect, having no clue what the play was about. I found the story line and characters to be intriguing. It is such an unusual theme, but I think that is why I enjoyed it so much. It really reminded me how often we overlook people with disabilities, sometimes forgetting that they hold many of the same capabilities as everyone else, just in a different way. The four men in the story all had such unique personalities. Sometimes it is easy to label people like that as "someone with a disability" rather than truly examining them as a individual. This made me think back to when we were learning about character and how we often judge based on the exterior. I loved how Professor Corrigan stressed that the number one thing that we should see when we look at anyone is that Christ is the core of them. No matter who they are, what they do, how intelligent they may be, they are in Christ. Sometimes we underestimate those who are different than us. Why do we do that? I want to take the time to remember this next time I come into contact with someone who doesn't fit the norm. 

It is not the exterior that defines us. That is just temporary; meaningless in God’s eyes. This is something that we can not only apply when viewing others, but with ourselves as well. Often we put forth such great effort to build ourselves up based on what we do or what talents we possess that we lose sight of where our true identity lies. We were created in God’s image and for His purpose. When we put aside all the superficial criteria that the media and today’s society builds up so much, it is much easier to understand our true worth. It doesn’t matter if someone is the most intelligent person in the world or if they have down syndrome. It doesn’t matter if someone works at NASA or a fast food restaurant. What matters is the fact that we, as human beings, are in Christ. That is the only thing we need to place our identity in.