It's hard to find somebody like limbless evangelist Nick Vujicic if we are only considering physical attributes. After all, Vujicic was born with a rare congenital disorder called phocomelia syndrome, which means he has no arms and legs.
Growing up in Australia, Vujicic was bullied heavily and even contemplated thoughts of suicide. It was only after he accepted Jesus Christ into his life that he came to terms with his condition and strove to become the best motivational speaker he can be.
Vujicic's physical challenges and past experiences are definitely different from most people's, so it comes as a surprise when he tells people: "I'm just like you."
"My doctors, parents, Lady Gaga don't know why I was born this way," he says, according to GMA News. But Vujicic says everybody still has something in common with him. "We all have disabilities—disabilities of the heart," he says.
"I was depressed as a child," he shares. "At age 10, I tried to drown myself in the bathtub because I felt I had no hope. I hated God for years. At 15, I read a chapter in the gospel of John. I realised, if God has a plan for a blind man, I believe He has a plan for me."
After Vujicic treated his disability of the heart by trusting and loving God, he learned how to appreciate life. His parents were also a big help in boosting his self-esteem..
"My parents' perspective was I was beautiful, special, perfect just the way I am. I am perfectly imperfect," he says. Vujicic's father would tell him constantly, "You may lack limbs, but don't let that define what you can or can't do."
As a Christian, Vujicic learned that the most important thing is his identity with Christ. People might look down on him or make fun of him, but if God rules his heart, Vujicic feels safe and contented.
"You can't touch my heart. You are beautiful just the way you are. Be the best you can be," he says.
