“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” -1 Peter 3:8
Eric Kilburn, Jr., has a big problem! The 16-year-old from Goodrich, Michigan, just set the Guinness record for the largest hands and feet on a teenager. Eric is 6 foot 11 inches tall. He is active in sports, including football. Eric wears a size 23 shoe. To put that into perspective, the average size of men’s shoes in the United States is 10.5. Eric’s big problem is finding shoes that fit.
With little luck, Eric and his parents have shopped in stores and online for shoes that fit Eric. Last year, they began calling shoe companies directly. They asked about getting shoes made special, but they were told that was a service they provide for college and professional athletes, not sophomores in high school. Two shoe companies eventually agreed to help.
It was going to take a while for Eric’s new shoes to arrive. Thankfully, Shaquille O’Neal, the hall-of-fame basketball player, was willing to step in and help. Shaq is 7 feet 1 inches tall and wears a size 22 shoe. He understands what it means to be a giant amongst average-sized people. Shaq called Eric several times to help with his shoe and clothing issues and to talk with him about how he has handled some of the challenges that come with their size.
One day, a large box arrived at Eric’s home. When Eric and his family opened the box, they found clothes, shoes, and other necessities from Shaquille O’Neal. The shoes were amazing, including boots from Louis Vuitton. This box was filled with shoes that were a true blessing to Eric.
Eric received far more from Shaq than shoes and clothes. Eric’s mother, Rebecca, said, “I am seeing confidence just being able to walk into school with new shoes.” Shaq’s gift was a boost to a young man who struggles with what it means to be different and unique among his peers. Shaq’s compassion for Eric led him to provide a gift that lifted Eric’s spirit and helped him to see he is not alone in this world.
Compassion is being able to see the needs of others and being motivated to connect with and help them as we are able. Shaquille O’Neal is a beloved basketball star, but even more than that, Shaq is known for his compassion and generosity. Shaq frequently shows up in the news because he has helped someone in a special way. He uses his gifts to bless others. We are all called to live a compassionate life. We must look beyond ourselves and see the needs of others. When we use the gifts that God has given us, we, too, can bless others in big ways.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
