Nick Vujicic

Imagine a childhood without climbing a tree or riding a bike, without building a sandcastle or holding your mom's hand. Born without limbs, this tragic way of life is Nick Vujicic's reality. In Australia on December 4^th, 1982 Nick was born with a birth defect that caused him to have no arms or legs. In spite of his strange and difficult childhood, Nick went on to become the founder, CEO and president of Life Without Limbs: a non-profit organization whose purpose is to share the teachings of Jesus Christ through Nick's own story. Nick is now a motivational speaker who lives in California with his wife, Kanae. Over the last decade, Nick has shared his inspiring story in over 24 countries. Though he comes from humble beginnings, Nick has grown to become a hero. A hero is someone who struggles forward and emerges victorious despite any and all challenges with which they are faced. Nick Vujicic is a hero for not only overcoming his personal adversities, but for also using his unconditional faith in God and his extraordinary selflessness to motivate and inspire others to do the same.

Nick Vujicic's childhood, tainted by his unavoidable abnormality, forced him to quickly mature in order to positively handle the struggles he has been faced with since birth. Growing up so shockingly different made life hard on Nick. At age eight, he became depressed. When he was ten-years-old, Nick decided to end his life by drowning himself in a bathtub. After multiple attempts, he realized that he did not want to leave his loved ones with the burden and guilt that would result from his suicide (Vujicic). The decision to continue living due to the needs of others suggests a maturity that is not often found in children merely a decade old. After conquering depression, Nick went on to overcome other, more physical, challenges that are present due to his condition. In the article "Life Without Limb-its", Nick is referred to as a "brave 26-year-old, who plays football and golf, swims, and surfs, despite having no limbs." Without the aid of arms and legs, Nick plays many sports even some "normal" people never get a chance to partake in. Nick wants to live life to its fullest, and he is not going to let a minor set-back such as the non-existence of half his body stop him from doing so. 

Vujicic's ability to wholeheartedly place his trust in an unseen higher power is another of the many reasons to call him a hero. At age fifteen, Nick became an Evangelical Christian. Due to his unusual and odd appearance, Nick was unsure of his capability to have a normal relationship. Despite this fear, Vujicic chose to remain a virgin until marriage despite the long-term girlfriends he has had in the past ("Life Without Limbs"). Nick's dedication to his faith remained unwavering even if it meant being abstinent and possibly hurting his chances at keeping a relationship. However, Nick's faithfulness paid off; Vujicic is now happily married to his loving wife, Kanae. Nick's loyalty to God shines through his everyday actions and words. In the article Life Without Limbs, Kathy Watts tells of how she "witnessed firsthand how God is using a man with no arms and no legs to be His hands and feet." Even people who barely know him can feel Nick's intense love for The Lord. Nick uses his trust in God that he lets show through his own personality in order to positively influence others.

Regardless of his disability, Vujicic wastes no time with self-pity and instead uses his kind heart and diverse experience to inspire and assist others. In an interview with Tiffany Jothen, Nick stated that, "When faced with opposition or mockery, Christians' response should always be 'to love'" (Vujicic qtd. in Jothen). Even though he is the one who was unfairly given an abnormally difficult life, Nick always puts other people's needs above his own. "On a recent tour of Europe, Nick spoke at a school in Croatia. Noticing three boys who teased him during his talk, he invited them onstage for a hug. He told them he loved them. One of the boys broke down in tears" (Jothen). Instead of punishing the boys, or even getting offended by their bullying, Nick reaches out to the boys with love. He didn't think of how the boys teasing affected him, but rather of what caused the boys to tease. Vujicic's condition, which would make most people selfish and bitter, leads him to be selfless and kind.

Nick Vujicic goes beyond simply adapting to his own handicap by motivating others to overcome the challenges that face each of them individually. Most people take for granted their ability to throw a ball or swim; Nick Vujicic is acutely aware of, and grateful for, every time he surfs or plays football. Most people don't think much of their weekly trip to church, temple or synagogue; Nick Vujicic's faith is with him 24/7. Most people are unaware of how their words and actions affect others; Nick Vujicic tailors his every sentence and choice so that it benefits the people around him. Vujicic is a role model and a hero because of the unrelenting determination, the unwavering faith in God and the undying selflessness that he uses to change the lives of strangers, making him an inspiration around the world.

Works Consulted

Jothen, Tiffany. "Charisma News." Charisma News. N.p., 4 Apr. 2013. Web. 09 May 2013.

"Life without Limb-its: The Astonishing Story of the Man Born without Arms or Legs... Who Plays Golf, Surfs, and Swims." Mail Online. N.p., 1 July 2009. Web. 09 May 2013.

Vujicic, Nick. "About Nick: His Story." Attitude Is Altitude RSS2. N.p., 2013. Web. 09 May 2013.

Vujicic, Nick. "Nick Vujicic | Spreading Hope Worldwide." Nick Vujicic | Spreading Hope Worldwide. Nick Vujicic, 2013. Web. 09 May 2013.

Watts, Kristi. "Nick Vujicic: Life Without Limbs." N.p., 2013. Web. 09 May 2013.