An Inspiring Man Born Without Arms or Legs
Nick Vujicic was born without any arms or legs due to a rare disorder called tetra-amelia. His parents worried for their son and how he would make his way through life. Nick would forever be unable to hug people, hold someone’s hand, dance, walk, run, or even touch. Initially, his parents were devastated, but Nick was otherwise healthy.
Despite Nick’s physical limitations and unfavorable circumstances, God has blessed him with enormous success and influence early on his life. Nick says that everything has been a grace and gift from God. Particularly, He has been a beneficiary of a supportive and encouraging network of family, friends, and mentors. His parents taught Nick to become independent. They showered him with God’s Scripture. They spoke affirming and encouraging words which became daily sustenance for Nick’s hurtful childhood. Also, Nick has been influenced by Billy Graham who has been his “evangelistic role model.” Nick says, “Billy Graham helped me to make sure that my priorities are right..that faith and family come first.”
Due to his disability and laws where he grew up in Australia, he was not allowed to enter mainstream school until later, becoming one of the first disabled children to be integrated into the program. He learned to write using the two toes on his left foot. During his school years, Nick had to deal with plenty of bullying, depression, and internal questions as to why he was so different. He felt alone and often wondered what his purpose was in life, or if there was any purpose at all. When he was 8 years old he started contemplating suicide. He begged God to grow arms and legs, but over time Nick learned that his accomplishments were inspirational to many, and he began thanking God for being alive.
Since then he learned how to type on a computer, throw tennis balls, play drum pedals, comb his hair, answer the phone, shave, and get himself a glass of water through the use of a small foot attached to his hip. His foot allows him to balance, type, kick, play football, golf, swim, surf, and pretty much everything he needs for mobility. He loves overcoming the challenges for inventing new methods to overcome his disability. He refers to his two toes as his “chicken drumstick.” Nick always likes making people feel good with humor, and he’s not afraid to laugh at himself.
After school, Nick obtained a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Financial Planning. He then started practicing motivational speaking which was his dream to be able to encourage other people in a religious and moving way. “I found the purpose of my existence, and also the purpose of my circumstance. There’s a purpose for why you’re in the fire.” Nick believes that there is a reason in every struggle we encounter, and that our attitude along with our faith can be the keys to overcoming the challenges we face.
Nick states that a major turning point in his life was when his mother showed him a newspaper article about a man with severe disabilities and how he dealt with it. This led him to realize that he wasn’t the only one with major struggles.
Nick has done so much more than overcome his disability. At the young age of 27, Nick is the president of a non-profit organization, Life Without Limbs, and he has his own motivational speaking company, Attitude is Altitude. Nick started his first company when he was 17 and started speaking at the age of 19. He has since traveled around the world speaking to millions of people, giving them inspiration, courage, and the hope he’s always dreamed of. “If God can use a man without arms and legs to be His hands and feet, then He will certainly use any willing heart!”
