Sunday, October 09, 2011

No Arms, No Legs, No Worries


This book was on the 'recent returns' shelf of the library when I passed by about a month ago. I didn't pick the book up. It was one of those times when I wanted to read something light. I think I borrowed a bunch of cookbooks that day.

I suppose I was meant to "meet" Nick Vujicic because a few days later, I heard about him again. Next chance I got, I picked up the book from the library. Before I read the book, RD showed me one of the many youtube videos on this amazing young Australian.

Born without limbs on December 1982, Nick Vujicic is great inspiration.




In his chapter entitled, "Attitude is Altitude," he reminds people that by changing our attitude, we can change our lives (c/o psychologist and philosopher William James). There are many attitudes to choose from but Nick Vujicic recommends (1) an attitude of gratitude, (2) an attitude of action, (3) an attitude of empathy and (4) an attitude of forgiveness.

He has come to realise that as imperfect as he may be, he is the perfect Nick Vujicic. He is God's creation, designed according to God's plan.

In his travels to America (where he now resides, if I read the book right), he met Joni Eareckson Tada who was a 17-year old swimmer and equestrian from Maryland that broke her neck while diving into a lake in 1967. She was paralyzed from her neck down. (I read her autobiography when I was much younger. She learned how to paint with a brush between her teeth and later began to sell her artwork. Her story was likewise amazing.) Joni has become Nick's role model, his mentor, and his fellow traveller in this life.

He also met nineteen month old Daniel Martinez, who like him, was born with out arms and legs. Nick was like a window into what was in store for Daniel so Daniel's parents were very happy to meet him. But it was Nick's parents who were an even bigger blessing to the Martinez family because where else could they get insight on how to be a parent to a child without arms and legs.

Nick has been able to do so many things that most people with four limbs have not yet done. He has gone scuba diving, he surfs, he fishes, he has travelled the world, he has ridden an airport carousel (as well as gotten stuffed in the overhead cabin of an airplane) for the fun of it, he has made a movie, he was a drummer in the school band and an orchestra conductor. He graduated with a double major at Griffith University with a Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Planning and Accounting at the age of 21.

As an internationally successful inspirational speaker, he has spoken to thousands of people and affected many lives.

It is true that God works in mysterious ways.

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