“I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have—life itself” (Walter Anderson).
Over the years I have been privileged to meet and hear individuals who have encountered great loss, and yet have persevered, choosing to rise above the pain and to treasure the life they have as a precious gift. One of the more inspiring stories I know of is that of Nick Vujicic. Nick was born about 30 years ago without arms or legs and his family was given no medical reason for his condition. Can you just imagine the challenges a condition such as this would present, not only to Nick but to those who love him? If anyone has been challenged with the thought, “Well, why even try?”--someone with this condition would have that challenge. Nick came to that point at age 8, when he was tempted to end his own life. How could one possibly live a “normal” life without arms or legs?
Well, as you watch the video below, you are going to see that Nick’s life is far from “normal,” but instead of being “less than normal,” instead it is extraordinary. He refused, at an early age, to focus on what he did not have and chose to focus on what he did have…his life. Nick is the head of a worldwide organization called “Life without Limbs,” a Christian ministry through which Nick spreads “hope and genuine love” “to people all over the globe” (Life Without Limbs).
Might you consider Nick’s example of tremendous courage and decide today to speak and live out these words: “I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have—life itself” (Walter Anderson)?
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