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Inspiration 60
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Written by Tim Malloy
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“I was sad because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet.”
 This Chinese proverb on the value of keeping things in perspective is what came to mind when I read about Australian-born Nick Vujicic, who was born without arms or legs.
What this remarkable young man has been able to accomplish will have you scratching your head in amazement, and perhaps evaluating your everyday effort and approach to life.
The body of this incredible 26-year old is comprised of a torso and a small foot on his left hip, but he manages to live an active life that includes playing football, golf, swimming and surfing.
There was no medical explanation for the knee-buckling news that hit Nick’s parents like a thunderbolt. His father was so shocked he left the hospital room to vomit and his distraught mother could not bring herself to hold Nick until he was four months old, according to The Daily Mail Newspaper in Australia.
Mr. & Mrs. Vujicic came to terms with this rare condition known as Phocomelia and set out to give Nick a life that was independent and fulfilling.
His Dad taught him to swim at 18 months of age and how to type with his toe at just six years old, while his Mom invented a plastic device that allowed Nick to hold a pen and pencil.
The Vujicic’s decision to send Nick to a regular school allowed him to blossom and later earn a degree in Financial Planning and Real Estate, but it came at a high price as Nick endured years of taunting and bullying from classmates.
“I felt cold and bitter,” Nick told The Daily Mail newspaper. “I hated God for doing this to me…I felt there was no purpose (to my life), and when you lack purpose and strength, it’s hard to hold on.”
At the age of ten, Nick made an unsuccessful attempt to drown himself, but with the help of his faith, family and friends, managed to find purpose in his life and has become an international symbol of triumph over adversity.
“I realized God made me like this to give hope to others,” said Nick. “I decided to be thankful for what I do have and not get angry about what I don’t.”
Today Nick Vujicic is a motivational speaker and has visited over 24 countries speaking to groups as large as 110,000 people, delivering his message on the power of perspective and perseverance. |
Inspiration 60
