| The Story Of The Praying Hands | |
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This is the story of Albrecht and Franz Durer, two brothers who lived in Germany. Although they were very poor, they both wanted to be artists. So the younger one, Albrecht, said to Franz, "I have an idea. I will work as a labourer and pay for your training. Then, when you have finished, you can do the same for me." "Fine", said Franz. "But we will do it my way. You go and study first and I will work." For he knew his brother’s talents were far greater than his own. So it was. For many years Albrecht studied under one of the great masters of his day, while Franz toiled to pay the cost. At last Albrecht returned and joyously greeted his brother. "Now you will be able to go, Franz," he cried. But silently Franz held up his hands. Alas, they were no longer the hands of an artist, but the hands of a workman… so gnarled by years of labour that they were not even able to hold a pencil! |
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Albrecht stared at them wordlessly, and put his arms around his brother’s shoulders. With tears in his eyes, he said, "Franz, I can pay you in only one way. I will draw a picture that will speak to men’s hearts, a picture of these hands of sacrifice and love." Today, over 400 years later, the praying hands of Franz are known the world over immortalized in a brother’s tribute. |
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