Photo: Nick Vujicic speaking, 2016, by Gage Skidmore, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
There are millions of stories of people whose lives inspire and invigorate us to action. I absolutely love true stories and am always left wondering how the individuals from each of these true stories were able to overcome such overpowering obstacles to become an inspiration to so many. One such story is the life of Nick Vujicic.
Nick’s story is one of overcoming adversity. Born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1982, Nick was born with a rare condition called phocomelia, without arms or legs. He faced bullying and depression, including a suicide attempt at age 10, in which he tried to drown himself while in the bathtub. Fortunately, not wanting to fail his loving parents, he sought and later found faith and purpose. Nick’s courage and tenacity for life bolstered him to become one of the biggest motivational speakers in the world, known as an expert of resilience and facing challenges in life. He is now a sought-after motivational speaker, author, and evangelist, inspiring millions worldwide to live without limits.
Nick has traveled to 78 countries, presented to hundreds of thousands on 3500 stages. He works with education ministries of various nations, streaming his anti-bullying message to youth, resulting in the Attitude Is Altitude Curriculum, helping to enforce values and positive attitudes for Gen Z. Nick has met 25 Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Vice Presidents, while at the same time addressed rescued human trafficked victims and orphans. Nick has a message of hope for everyone, no matter what the social status.
That’s what Nick has done, but my question remains how is it possible for someone to overcome the obstacles Nick faced? Well, his parents instilled in him a sense of faith and encouraged him to find his place in the world. So, at a young age, Nick realized that he needed peace, purpose, and forgiveness more than physical limbs. Nick’s faith in God was instrumental in his miraculous journey.
Nick prayed very hard that God would give him arms and legs, and initially told God that, if his prayer remained unanswered, he would not praise him indefinitely. However, a key turning point in his faith came when his mother showed him a newspaper article about a man dealing with a severe disability. Nick realized he wasn’t unique in his struggles and began to embrace his lack of limbs. Soon thereafter, Nick realized his accomplishments could inspire others and became grateful for his life.
Nick gradually figured out how to live a full life without limbs, adapting many of the daily skills limbed people accomplish without thinking. Nick writes with two toes on his left foot and a special grip that slid onto his big toe. He knows how to use a computer and can type up to 45 words per minute using the “heel and toe” method. He has also learned to throw tennis balls, play drum pedals, get a glass of water, comb his hair, brush his teeth, answer the phone and shave, in addition to participating in golf, swimming, and even sky-diving.
During secondary school, he was elected captain of MacGregor State in Queensland and worked with the student council on fundraising events for local charities and disability campaigns. Nick embraced his condition and began to see his unique circumstances as a way to inspire others. He learned to adapt, developing the ability to write with his toes, use a computer, swim, and even skydive. He founded the non-profit organization “Life Without Limbs” and began speaking about his experiences.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Nick in person. His wide grin is captivating and powerful. His inspiring message fills a world who desperately needs hope. Nick Vujicic answers my question about how it is possible to overcome such obstacles – it’s accomplished by a deep and abiding faith in a loving Savior!
Debby Efurd is co-founder of Cary John Efurd Ministries of Pittsburg, TX. She has been a contributor to Bound for Life and written numerous articles published in LifeNews, Christian Post and the Baptist Standard, and is the author of Go Tell It! Debby can be contacted at caryjohnefurdinistries@gmail.com. Visit her at the Second Mile blog at https://debbyefurd.com.
Tagged: courage, purpose and calling
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