Sunday, January 1, 2012

Nick Vujicic - Life Without Limbs


Of the many people I have come to know, appreciate and value, Nick Vujicic is one that is at the top of my list to be one of my Living Heroes.

Here's why...

Imagine being born without arms. No arms to wrap around someone, no hands to experience touch, or to hold another hand with. Or what about being born without legs? Having no ability to dance, walk, run, or even stand on two feet. Now put both of those scenarios together: no arms and no legs. What would you do? How would that effect your everyday life?

Nick Vujicic... Born in 1982 in Melbourne, Australia, without any medical explanation or warning, Nicholas Vujicic (pronounced Voy-a-chich) came into the world with neither arms nor legs. Having had an uneventful pregnancy and no family history to expect this condition, imagine the shock his parents felt when they saw their first born, brand new baby boy, only to find he was what the world would consider imperfect and abnormal. A limbless son was not what nurse Dushka Vujicic, and her husband Pastor Borris Vujicic had been expecting. How would their son live a normal happy life? What could he ever do or become when living with what the world would see as such a massive disability? Little did they know that this beautiful limbless baby would one day be someone who would inspire and motivate people from all walks of life, touching lives all over the world.

Throughout his childhood Nick dealt not only with the typical challenges of school and adolescence such as bullying and self-esteem issues; he also struggled with depression and loneliness as he questioned why he was different to all the other kids surrounding him; why he was the one born without arms and legs. He wondered what was the purpose behind his life, or if he even had a purpose. After a lot of frustration and feeling like the odd one out in school, at seven years of age Nick tried out some specially designed electronic arms and hands, in hopes that he would be more like the other kids. During the short trial period of the electronic arms, Nick realized that even with them, he was still unlike his peers at school, and they turned out to be much too heavy for Nick to operate, effecting his general mobility quite significantly.

As Nick grew up he learned to deal with his disability and started to be able to do more and more things on his own. He adapted to his situation and found ways to accomplish tasks that most people could only do by using their limbs, such as cleaning teeth, brushing hair, typing on a computer, swimming, playing sports, and much more. As time went by Nick began to embrace his situation and achieve greater things. In grade seven Nick was elected captain of his school and worked with the student council on various fund-raising events for local charities and disability campaigns.

According to Nick, the victory over his struggles throughout his journey, as well as his passion for life can be credited to his faith, his family, his friends and the many people he's encountered during his life who have encouraged him along the way. (read more about Nick at http://attitudeisaltitude.com/aboutus-nick.php )
What I will learn from Nick as I endeavor on MY journey...

It has been an interesting and wonderful journey to learn about Nick. Reading his work and watching his videos, I believe I have laughed AND cried a lot and experienced all kinds of emotions … 

As I begin this new year and endeavor to use my gifts and talents to serve, I am inspired by Nick and heart to love and serve. This last year has been an eye opening experience as my life's purpose became clearer. I knew that there was work to be done and that I was designed for such a time as this, however it was not as clear as it is now. The life experiences and the people that God has orchestrated in my life.

I am looking forward to serving my community and my dream is to create a holistic leadership training program that can be implemented anywhere there is a need and desire for such programs. I have no idea when this is going to happen, I am not even prepared (financially) for it, but I know God is bigger than my doubts, fears and uncertainties.

Knowing Living Heroes like Nick inspires me to be courageous and pursue this work knowing that it will makes a difference…

Thank you Nick

Find out more about Nick by visiting the following links:

No comments:

Post a Comment