“Our background and circumstances may have
influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.” ~ Barbara
Geraci
Some of us may have experienced difficult
childhoods. Some may have made choices that impacted our lives in
negative ways. It can be tough to put those experiences behind us.
But we don’t need to be defined by our past. We can still grab a hold of our dreams and
make them happen. We can still find great purpose. Some of us may even find a
way to create something good out of past hurt.
There are people all around us who have faced enormous challenges but have still been successful in realizing their dreams. Some have even chosen to breathe hope into the lives of others. They may be doctors,
teachers, ministers, coaches, clerks, bus drivers …
The following people are well-known by the public, and I’m sure there are many others you could add. Please take encouragement from those who have
refused to give up despite their circumstances.
Nyle
DiMarco
If you’ve been watching the latest season of Dancing with the Stars, you’ve become
familiar with Nyle DiMarco, a deaf American model, actor, and activist. Despite
not hearing or even feeling the music’s beat, he’s a remarkable dancer and has
landed a spot in the finale this coming week. This isn’t the first time he’s
challenged himself to compete. In 2015, he won the 22nd season of America's Next Top Model, being the only
deaf contestant to ever compete on that show.
Nick
Vujicic
I’ve been inspired by Nick Vujicic for some time.
Born without any limbs, Nick struggled emotionally and physically. When he was
only ten years old, feeling depressed and isolated, he tried to commit suicide
by drowning himself in a bathtub. But by the time he’d turned fifteen, Nick had
turned his faith to Jesus Christ. With new hope for his life, he began using
his disability to help others. He became a motivational speaker and has
traveled around the world, touching the lives of millions. And despite
believing that he would never be a suitable husband, he married. He and his
wife now have two children together.
Tyler
Perry
I love movies made by Tyler Perry because they
always seem to include a great message—even those that lean more toward comedy.
He’s become highly successful, but his life didn’t start out in Hollywood. Born
in New Orleans, he was brought up in poverty. He suffered physical and sexual abuse as a child, and he never felt safe as a boy. But with faith and
determination, he rose above his past.
Bethany
Hamilton
When she was just thirteen, surfer Bethany Hamilton
lost her left arm and 60 percent of her blood in a shark attack in Hawaii.
However, she was far too determined to let even that get in the way of going
back to surfing. In less than a month after the injury, she not only returned
to the water, she surfed in several world class competitions. Within two years,
she’d won her first national title. She’s now a motivational speaker and a
best- selling author. Bethany is involved in numerous charitable efforts,
including her own foundation, Friends of Bethany, which reaches out to amputees
and youth, offering hope to overcome through Jesus Christ. She’s also a wife
and mom.
Charlize
Theron
Charlize is stunning—she’s also a respected and
talented actress. But if she’d allowed trauma in her life to define her,
Charlize’s life could look entirely different now. Her father was an abusive alcoholic who
openly cheated on her mother. When Charlize was fifteen, her mother shot and
killed Charlize’s father after he tried to attack her. The judge ruled it as self-defense;
therefore, Charlize’s mother didn’t have to serve any prison time. For years
Charlize told interviewers that it was a car crash that killed her father.
Terrence
Howard
Terrence Howard is one of the stars in the hit TV
show Empire. He’s made a name for
himself as an actor, but he was only a toddler when Terrence witnessed his
father murder another man while their family was in line to visit Santa Clause.
The incident, known as the Santa Line Slaying, made the national news. Can you
imagine trying to overcome that horrible incident?
Richard
Branson
With multi-billions, Richard Branson is the fourth
richest person in the UK. He earned his wealthy by starting up many successful
companies around the world. Although Richard struggled in school while growing
up because of dyslexia, he didn’t let that challenge stop him from becoming
extremely successful.
Jim
Carrey
Would you believe there was a time when Jim Carrey
was homeless? When he was fifteen, Jim had to drop out of school to support his
family. His father was an unemployed musician and their family was so broke
that they eventually ended up living in a van. But he didn’t give up his dream
to become a comedian, and now is known as one of the best comedic actors in the
world.
Do you personally know anyone who has refused to let
their past determine their future? Are you letting circumstances hinder you from fulfilling your purpose or
pursuing your dreams?
Dawn
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