Gifted Hands tells the story of world-renowned pediatric neurosurgeon, Benjamin Carson.  His mother, having only a third-grade education and unable to read herself, felt great fear for the futures of her two sons.  They had to grow up without a father and in poverty in Detroit.  She told her sons they could only watch 2-3 pre-selected TV shows a week and they had to become very familiar with the public library.  Mrs. Carson assigned her sons two books a week with a book report presented to her every week.  At first, they hated it, but their academic achievements soared.  Ben's  Ds and Fs in the fifth grade turned into academic honors by the time he graduated.  He is the head of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins and known the world over for his skill.

What I liked  most about the movie was when his mother said that the countless hours spent in front of the TV prevented them from developing their God-given talents.  How many times have I complained about not having enough time to write or practice my dancing or my music and then spent a few hours parked in front of the TV?  Too many times to count, and Mrs. Carson is right!  I am not developing my own God-given talents.  So, I've decided to take Mrs. Carson up on her challenge and restrict TV in favor of reading and developing my talents, and I'm taking my child along with me.  This blog will chronicle our efforts.  Come along with me and take the challenge yourself if you are so inclined!