Seeing A Person Like This, Makes Me Feel Ashamed Of Myself Sometimes
By pyewacket
@pyewacket (43903)
United States
June 25, 2008 8:55pm CST
I saw this story actually sometime ago, on a very late night news broadcast. It's the story of a 25 year old Evangelist, named Nick Vujicic. What makes him so special is that he was born without ANY limbs, that is no legs nor arms. Has he wallowed in self-pity, has he complained? Is he sitting in some room, doing nothing and feeling sorry for himself... A big resounding NO. He's active, he has lectured in over 12 countries, and he is an inspiration to many people, who aren't even of his beliefs, which I am not.
Here's an excerpt from an article I found on him.
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=4531209&page=1
(Quote)
[i]"In some third world countries ... I would be seen as cursed, a shame to the family," said Vujicic (pronounced VOY-chich). "The possibilities of me being killed at my birth would have been quite high."But Vujicic, who was born without arms or legs, does have one of the most powerful of all human attributes: a voice. Through the ministry he calls Life Without Limbs and a motivational program titled "Attitude is Altitude," Vujicic said he has made 1,600 speaking appearances in 12 nations."No matter who you are, no matter what you're going through, God knows it," he said. "He is with you. He is going to pull you through."Like all skilled evangelists, he can imagine the deepest vulnerabilities of his listeners, especially among teenage audiences.
[/i]
There is also a video on that site you can watch to hear him talk to his audiences.
His website is here
http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/index.php
There are even a bunch of YouTube videos about him
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtweZxNGk1Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GX2nIep59e8&feature=related
How many times do we gripe and complain of our aches and pains ...oh, yup, I'm guilty of this too...how many feel sorry for ourselves if we have disabilities? How many times do we just plain kvetch about things? After seeing this story and the videos I was really put to shame. Next time I'm ready to complain about aches or pains, I'm going to clam it...if he can have an active life, gee, so can I. As I said, I'm not a follower of his beliefs...but I think anyone of any beliefs will get inspired by watching him.
8 people like this
21 responses
@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
26 Jun 08
Usually when people are born without a body part or one or more senses, they can adapt quite easily and not make a big deal out of it because they don't know what they are missing. It's awesome that this guy was able to turn his 'disability' into a lifelong compassion and commitment.
4 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Jun 08
I was just mentioning to another poster here...Nick has a MySpace page..so I actually asked for a friend request and just got the notice he accepted....what a strange combo..him the preacher and me the pagan..hehehe
3 people like this
@blackbriar (9076)
• United States
26 Jun 08
Maybe he is curious about the pagan ways? lol
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Jun 08
Hehehe==hey I just got an idea for a short story...The Preacher and The Pagan--a Strange Love Story
2 people like this
@salonga (27775)
• Philippines
26 Jun 08
Yes, perhaps we should start counting our blessings instead of our woes. Stop complaining but keep on thanking God for his goodness. A lot of people out there are miserable but God by His grace has given us better conditions, better health, better living. His grace is always sufficient for us so let us be thankful and in everything give thanks!
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
27 Jun 08
I have what I call a "gratitude" book and write at least one thing I'm grateful for everyday
1 person likes this
@alokn99 (5717)
• India
26 Jun 08
All of us need similiar inspirations to take us forward, disabled or not.
In a way many of us are guilty of complaining and trying to feel sorry for ousrselves. Sometimes we do it to get the attention of others and try to make them feel sorry for us too. Dont we all love attention ?
We come across some sort of depressions/ disabilities in life and stories like these are needed to remind us that by sitting back and just just worrying or feeling sorry about this is not going to help.
Thanks for sharing this. I certainly will use this as an inspiration.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
27 Jun 08
I remember a saying that ties in with what you say here...and to quote you .."Sometimes we do it to get the attention of others and try to make them feel sorry for us too..." The saying was.. along the lines that negative attention, that is people feeling sorry for us, is better than no attention at all...Isn't that true of a lot of people?
2 people like this
@jairgirl (2877)
• United States
26 Jun 08
hello pye.,
thanks for sharing such wonderful story.
i know there are plenty of people in this world who dont seem to see what they have and what they dont have coz they still feel the same way.
i applaud that guy who live what he preach and not just a plain lip service unlike other specially preachers.
i, myself, grew up with so many problems in life and i often wonder how i end up with where i am right now coz i truly dont deserve it.
most people will say that i deserve it and even more coz i have been through a lot in life and have shown faith and love despite it all.
i also have depression problems but all my life i have learned to see the beauty of life and not the patches it has.
see the bigger pictures and not just the small ones.
i have volunteered and help people eventhough i need help myself, doing so i realized that despite my situation in life i am more blessed and should be thankful and grateful for whatever i have.
i remember the kids at the orphanage, the old parents that are left behind by their own kids and animals as well who is mistreated by human.
so many hurtful scenarios yet i still see a smile on their face, they still move on and would want to move on no matter what.
having seen that gives me the hope and the life i have right now and i am hoping that someday i can be able to help them again be it small or big what matters is i can help.
have a great evening!
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Jun 08
I too grew up with a lot of problems..let's just say I had a completely dysfunctional family background...LOL. While I haven't had depression problems I have panic disorder with agoraphobia..at one time I was completely housebound because of it...thank goodness I no longer am and am continuing to the path of recovery. I think one thing that is important is to sit down and write things out that one is grateful for...even the slightest thing...like even having the eyes to see ones' computer screen, to hear the birds, and on and on...there is so much that we take for granted and NOT be grateful for.
That is great that you did volunteer work....one of the best things to do is to get out there and try and help people...sometimes when one hears of others sufferings it really makes one realize that, hey, my life isn't so bad after all...it gets a person outside of themselves
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
26 Jun 08
pye that young man is a true inspiration and made me feel
ashamed of complaining about my shingles. He has done so much without any limbs at all, its just amazing.It made me think
of that renowned scientist who is paralyzed from his neck down
yet has kept up with all his learning and made a life for himself, I wish to goodness I could remember his name but I am sure you would know whom I am speaking of. anyway this young
man surely has something very special the will to do great
things with what he has and to help others too. thanks for
sharing this.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Jun 08
Stephen Hawking?? Yes, he is also an inspiration...people compare his genius with Einstein and he wrote several books, I have his first, called A Brief History of Time
2 people like this
@Barb42 (4214)
• United States
26 Jun 08
The first time I saw this guy talking to an audience, I thought, we don't have any problems.But, as you said, he never feels sorry for himself.I've always heard it said, if you aren't born with something (like eyes,etc), you don't miss it like those of us who were born whole.But God must have had a work for this guy before he ever left the womb. I know he has really impacted the lives of lots of people. And it does make one think when we want to complain about little things in life! He should encourage each of us to reach for the sky!
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Jun 08
I actually had tears in my eyes the first time I saw him on that TV show I saw him on. Yes, since I believe there are no "accidents" in life, he was born the way he was to serve a great purpose in life and to bring inspiration to others
1 person likes this
@subha12 (18441)
• India
26 Jun 08
it is same with me. you have said words from my mouth. it was once shown in a Tv that a person with no limbs doing so many things. i feel ashamed. the previous day i was sad as i could not buy the shoe of my choice, but that person had no legs.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
27 Jun 08
Yes, sometimes our gripes can really seem so petty and then you come across a person like this who is living his life to the fullest with no legs or arms.
1 person likes this
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
26 Jun 08
Wow, this man is incredible. I feel so ashamed now for taking things for granted. I am blessed and should never complain about anything after seeing this. God Bless Nick Vujicic.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Jun 08
Isn't he incredible....I'll have to remember this perspective next time I complain about my pain in my joints or feet...at least I have legs and feet to complain about..LOL
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Jun 08
Oh...just had to add...did you know he has a MySpace page..and guess what? I ask him for a friend request and he accepted! My what a strange combo that is...he a evangelistic preacher and me the pagan! LOL
1 person likes this
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
26 Jun 08
Hi pye, 
Wow, I've never heard of this young man before, but what an inspiration. I've seen several true stories over the years, about people overcoming insurmountable obstacles.
What can be hard at times (I feel), is when the people closest to us (me), view me in a certain way, and because of this, it seems I'm doomed to failure. 'They' don't even realize they're doing this, as these are people who love me, but just don't know how to give me their approval, and inspire confidence in me.
I hope you understand what I'm trying to say here. I'm wondering too, if you've been made to feel this way by others, even now? I'm finally learning to not take what others think of me so seriously, and am fighting to believe that I still can succeed, and it's not too late. It's about time eh, given my age. Thanks again for this. Take care.
Wow, I've never heard of this young man before, but what an inspiration. I've seen several true stories over the years, about people overcoming insurmountable obstacles.
What can be hard at times (I feel), is when the people closest to us (me), view me in a certain way, and because of this, it seems I'm doomed to failure. 'They' don't even realize they're doing this, as these are people who love me, but just don't know how to give me their approval, and inspire confidence in me.
I hope you understand what I'm trying to say here. I'm wondering too, if you've been made to feel this way by others, even now? I'm finally learning to not take what others think of me so seriously, and am fighting to believe that I still can succeed, and it's not too late. It's about time eh, given my age. Thanks again for this. Take care.2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
27 Jun 08
My biggest "foe" in life was my mother..I was constantly seeking her approval, trying to be her "good" little girl, and this carried over to others in whom I sought their approval...It took me a LONG time to realize I don't NEED to seek the approval of ANYONE...the only one I need to seek approval of, is myself...how do I like/love myself? Once you get that concept, then others opinions don't matter. Like I said it took me a long time to reach that point. And no...it's NEVER to late to succeed...go for it my friend! ((hugs))
1 person likes this
@saivenkaat802003 (4823)
• India
26 Jun 08
I don't have exact words to express myself, how i feel at this moment.. I definitely feel a cold shrill wave passing through my spine.. and hair raising feelings..
Definitely, we complain about petty things in the life's happenings. My boss ditched me,.. my wife showed her face to me.. my ratings dropped here in mylot.. and so on..
The locus standi of this, is that we are all self-centered and wants everything.. desire in us is more..ever growing like an uncontrolled cancerous tissue.
Secondly, we all believe that we are the doers, and we believe that things happen and desire that i should happen at our WILL. when it goes in our way, we feel that we have conquered something..indication of the fact that the rise in our ego. When it falters, it irks us..and our ego is hurt.. and we try to achieve it someway or other..
The level of contention with which we have in us, in most of us zero,..WE ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH WHAT WE HAVE.. but it is not so, in case of the Evangelist you have said here....
No matter who you are, no matter what you're going through, God knows it
If we put the lines of him to practice, certainly we could be also as calm and peaceful like him.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
27 Jun 08
To quote you..WE ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH WHAT WE HAVE.. That kind of reminds me for some reason that song in which it says that one doesn't know what we've got until it's gone...in other words we don't take time out to appreciate even the most simplest things and be grateful for it until we lose it and we no longer have it...to give an example. Maybe people complain that they no longer like the home they live in and want something better...but then don't realize how lucky they are to even just to have that home and aren't homeless, or in a twinkling in a eye, lose their home like all those people did in the recent floods in the mid-west
1 person likes this
@lavenderbloom (1057)
• United Arab Emirates
26 Jun 08
Oh. it touched my heart. This man himself is an inspiration to others. Physically we have everything and still feel so incomplete. Watching him really touched my heart. I can just say he is really a God's creation with so much inspiration .. God bless him and all others who have no hands and limbs or any other disabilities. God bless all..
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
27 Jun 08
He really is an inspiration for others...he has more "life" in him and more charisma that people who are of sound body and mind
1 person likes this
@twallace (2675)
• United States
26 Jun 08
There are those in this world that are special, this is one of those type of people that are that way. Eventhough he doesn't have all his limbs he still lives life. So this is a good example of don't let anything stop you from living. No matter how bad the situation my be or seem.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Jun 08
I think he lives life more "abundantly", if you understand my meaning, than people who have all their limbs or don't have disabilities
1 person likes this
@jerzgirl (9226)
• United States
26 Jun 08
I love his story - I read about him last year, I think, long before I found myLot. I shared his story with a friend of mine who is always boohooing how things are in his life and why God did this or why God allows that and here's this guy who has SO much even when others might think otherwise. What an attitude this man has!! We really do need to take another look at ourselves and realize how severely we handicap our ownselves without even realizing it.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Jun 08
I'm glad you're familiar with his story. LOL...I happen to know someone who is like your friend to...always seeing the negative and boohooing as well...problem is, with her even if you did mention the life of Nick she STILL be complaining
1 person likes this
@tamarafireheart (15384)
•
26 Jun 08
Hello Pyewacket,
I will have look up that one I think he is a remarkable person, yes he has got a voice an brains. I will never complain again.
Bless Be.
Tamarafireheart.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Jun 08
as you know I'm of the pagan/wiccan beliefs, but I really do get inspired seeing someone like him
1 person likes this
@tamarafireheart (15384)
•
26 Jun 08
Hello Pyewacket,
yes I also agree, it does makes you think.
Tamarafireheart
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (157546)
• United States
26 Jun 08
There is a handicap that people of all races, beliefs, and ages suffer from. That is a lack of empathy and perspective. Your discussion touches on that. Even without following the links right away, I am reminded that life is very good, even when I am tired, even when I have aches and pains. I can open up and be a blessing to others, by forgetting so much about me.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Jun 08
Yes life is very good even when it's bad or we're going through a bad "cycle" where it seems one thing is happening after another...I often write down what I'm grateful for in my life, even if it's the simplest of things.
1 person likes this
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
26 Jun 08
A wonderful inspirational story that is a testament to the human spirit. I too could learn from this great teacher.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
27 Jun 08
I too can learn from him...Next time I kvetch how painful my joint ankles are, I'll remember him...at least I have ankles!
@scorpiobabes (7225)
• United States
26 Jun 08
That reminds me of the woman on the Atlantic City boardwalk about 10 years ago...she played her little electric keyboard with a stick and lived on the donations (hand outs) that she received. The casinos got angry and tried to get her off the boardwalk, but then a public outcry started. When they interviewed her, she stated that she was proud NOT to be receiving any assistance, and was still independent. I admire anyone who could live without their limbs and still keep a positive attitude! 
Thanks for sharing his inspirational story!
Thanks for sharing his inspirational story! @scorpiobabes (7225)
• United States
27 Jun 08
Sadly, she didn't fit in with their idea of how they wanted the outside of the casinos to look--often in rags, dirty, that sort of thing. They believed in keeping up appearances back then...
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
27 Jun 08
What the heck did the casinos want to get her off the boardwalks...she wasn't bothering them--glad though she got public backing and support
@rsa101 (37932)
• Philippines
26 Jun 08
Yeah I guess he is an admirable person. Just by describing it in your post I could picture him right in my mind and I also have same case like that. We have in our place a blind girl and they say when she was still a baby she was born blind and was suffering from a deadly disease but she survived it miraculously. As she grew up they found out she has a voice and now as a way of thanking HIM, she sings at the churches and gives lectures about how she handled her ordeals and never gave up no matter what the situation is with her and her family.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Jun 08
Sometimes I think it's the people with the greatest hardships and adversities that are the ones that succeed in overcoming them
1 person likes this
@sumofalltears (3988)
• United States
26 Jun 08
I my line of work I see much that have to admire and appreciate. I frequently remind myself that these people are NOT handicapped they are just different. We the onlookers are the handicapped ones for not letting these people into our lives.
Anybody can be or do whatever they want if they have the right attitude and outlook. It has often been said that a little adversity brings out the best and I truly believe that.
There are some cases where people with handicaps do have bad attitudes, but I think that is due to conditioning and bad treatment from others. God loves all of his children why can't we?
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
27 Jun 08
As Joe Vitale often says in his books and of course in the DVD THE SCERET, we can achieve, do and be anything we want...it all boils down to attitude. I just bet many people had snubbed one person due to the way he looked and acted...thinking perhaps he was an imbecile...yet he's one of the greatest geniuses going...who am I talking about? Stephen Hawking
1 person likes this
@crazy_andy (258)
• China
26 Jun 08
When I read this true story, I was shocked. Comparing with him, I am very lucky. So I think I have no reason to waste life. I will enjoy my life more zealously.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
26 Jun 08
Yes how true...makes one realize how lucky one is and to be grateful for everything
1 person likes this
