I recently read the story of triple amputee Corporal Todd Love, who lost two legs and one arm in Afghanistan in 2010. He completed The Beast—a ten-plus mile race over rugged terrain with more than 75 obstacles with his 8-man team. Rather than view himself as a victim, he sees himself as an overcomer. Check out the images below:
I find myself wonderstruck by Todd’s shift in perspective– from victim to overcomer. How often do we need that shift in perspective in our own lives? To read more about Todd’s story, click here.
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In Wonderstruck, Margaret invites you to toss back the covers, climb out of bed, and drink in the fullness of life. Wonderstruck will help you:
- Recognize the presence of God in the midst of your routine
- Discover peace in knowing you’re wildly loved
- Identify what’s holding you back in prayer
- Develop a renewed passion for God
- Celebrate the extraordinary moments in everyday life
Order a copy of Wonderstruck: Awaken to the Nearness of God TODAY (releases Christmas Day) at amazon.com or margaretfeinberg.com.
*Original photo found here
Sometimes because of pride we think we have to do life alone. What I am struck by in the first image is those around Todd helping him over the wall. He could have been stubborn, like I am many days, and said “I am going to do this race alone! I do not need anybody”. Somebody like Todd probably could have done this and completed the race. But when we allow others into our stories we learn dependence. We learn that we are in great need. We need somebody to come into our story in a much greater level and help us, rescue us, set us free! When we let others in, we get a glimpse of Jesus. We become wonderstruck by the incredible presence that Jesus really is with us everyday and is often experienced through relationships with other people.
Let somebody into your story, it is hard because you have to be humbled but you will see new heights!
Philip,
So true–how much we need each other…but we also need each other to be willing to receive from one another…
Can you develop that thought a bit more? “we need each other to be willing to receive from one another…” by this do you mean we need each other to be willing to step into our story and be there for us? I find that is the easy part. For me to enter into somebody elses story and meet there need is easy. Its rewarding. Letting people into my story and showing my need; that is the difficult part for me.
Philip,
For me, being the needy one is the hard part! Sounds like we struggle with the same things!
Vulnerability can be beautiful and powerful because it reveals who we really are.
Eva–Oh so true!!!
Eva, and as a result of revealing our true identity our vulnerability makes much of God! It’s like that well known verse, we love (not because we are something special) because “He first loved us”.
This inspired me to do a little post about the one I let in and who accepted me…love this girl!
http://shimergap.blogspot.com/2013/01/wonderstruck-4.html
Margaret, thank you for all of the inspiration you have given me!
I am always amazed at those who have lost limbs but go on to do fantastic things with their lives. They are truly an inspiration to us all. I don’t know if I would have Todd’s courage. In such a case I would be relying desperately on God to get through it and I definitely could not do it by myself.
Christine, Todd is an inspiration to us all!
That second photo just is stunning.
I look at my defeats — which pale in comparison — and how poorly I’ve handled them.
Something about pressing on and overcoming is more than ‘mind over matter.’ It’s a belief that God will come. “Don’t leave until you bless me” said the woman to Jesus. And He honors that kind of determination.
David,
Such a great point….i do the same…