“History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before they triumphed. They won because they refused to become discouraged by their defeats.”  B. C. Forbes

How do you react when you see people develop their ability to do what seems impossible?

Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”  (Matt. 19:26; NLT)

It never ceases to amaze me regarding the ability of the human being to overcome adversity.  I don’t know whether I’m just tuned in to such stories or what (see the 10/17 Daily Gram), but they seem to be coming my way fairly regularly now.  And I never get tired of sharing them.  Down with “victim mentality!”

The following story was emailed to me by a friend who got it from an unnamed source.  Please read the story first and then click on the link at the bottom and enjoy!

When I was in China last month, I saw a Chinese modern dance competition on TV.  One couple won one of the top prizes.  The lady has one arm and the guy has one leg.  They performed gracefully and beautifully.

The lady, in her 30’s, was a dancer and was trained as one since she was a little girl.  Later she got into some kind of accident and lost her entire left arm.  She was depressed for a few years.  It seemed that someone asked her to coach a children’s dancing group.  From that point on, she realized she could not forget dancing.  She still loved to dance.  She wanted to dance again.  So she started to do some of her old routines.  But by her losing an arm, she also lost her balance. It took a while before she could even making simple turns and spins without falling.  Eventually she got it.

Then she heard about some guy in his 20’s who had lost a leg in an accident.  This guy also fell into the usual denial, depression, and anger type of emotional roller coaster.  She looked him up (apparently he was from a different Province) and persuaded him to dance with her.  He had never danced.  And to dance with one leg?  Are you joking with me?  No way.  But she didn’t give up.  He reluctantly agreed.  “I have nothing else to do anyway.”  She started to teach him dancing 101.  The two broke up a few times because the guy had no concept of using muscle to control his body, and a few other basic things about dancing.  When she became frustrated and lost patience with him, he would walk out. 

Eventually they came back together and started training.  They hired a choreographer to design routines for them.  She would fly high (held by him) with both arms (a sleeve for an arm) flying in the air.  He could bend horizontally supported by one leg and she leaning on him, etc.   They danced beautifully and they legitimately beat others in the competition.

I would like to share with you this most magnificent and touching performance I have ever seen!  It is a living proof that strong spirit can conquer any physical limitations!

Prayer Power
Lord, You have graced us with such incredible resilience.  Unfortunately, it’s almost always easier just to give up and play “victim.”  Poor me!  Forgive us for not being grateful and using that God-given power to give You the glory.

Link of the Day
Ma Li and Zhai Xiaowei

Blessings on you as you overcome some of your challenges this week.