Reality Ministries Talent Show

Many years ago I was introduced to Reality Ministries by Beth Sholtz. It is a program for adults with intellectual differences who come there for fellowship and a place to be friends. I later went on to write a piece for Durham Magazine about Susan McSwain the founder. She was and continues to use to be a kind person who believes everyone on earth has great value and belongs.

Staff, Volunteers and participants are all called by the same title, FRIENDS. There are no distinctions as everyone is a worthy person. My Dear friend Lynn has been a Friend at Reality for years. It is the perfect place for her to spend her time because she has never met someone she did not love and everyone loves Lynn.

Tonight Reality had its big talent show. This show is put on by all the Friends. It was held at the DPAC and had almost 2,000 people in attendance. I went with Lynn so I got to sit in the third row with many other friends from Reality.

As Lynn was a greeter I sat along in the middle of the row with the perfect seat. A few minutes after I sat down this man who was about my age came along and sat two seats away from me. Since I knew the place was going to be packed I invited him to sit right next me to and struck up a conversation with him.

His name was James Charles. He had been a friend at Reality and might still be. I didn’t quite catch that part of his introduction. Lynn eventually came long and I introduced them and we all had a great time watching each of the act. There was piano playing, singing, dancing, comedy and skits.

James particularly liked when any Micheal Jackson song was preformed. The whole audience joined in the finale of “We are the world.”

Reality is such a special place. Anyone who visits walks away feeling happy. Finding things for adults with any differences to go and do and make friends and belong is missing in our world. I always smile whenever I go there and the talent show was no different.

If you feel the inclination to help Reality here are a few ways to give from the show program. If you want to volunteer or visit I can hook you up with the wonderful people there. I promise it will make you life happier.