The Cure for Depression: Nick Vujicic

October 19, 2008

As part of our One Month to Live small group study this week, we watched an absolutely amazing video. I mean amazing as in no one could rip their eyes from the screen as the video played. Kerry Shook interviewed Nick Vujicic, a man born without arms or legs.

Nick’s Story

This man is phenomenal. He knows what it is like to feel desperate, powerless, insignificant, frustrated, helpless…. all those feelings that overwhelm us and often are the root of deep depression. He has felt intense emotional pain, yet faces each day with a heartfelt smile, a terrific sense of humor, and palpable hope.

As I was watching the video, I was thinking that this man’s pain puts many things in my life into proper perspective. I am a firm believer that love from others, and a genuine love for others is the best treatment for depression. Nick is the embodiment of that love.

The Mandatory Disclaimer

Since it’s Sunday, this video is a little more “preachy” than is normally acceptable in blogging circles, but since it’s my blog, it’s all good. If you are offended by words like: God, Christ, love, Satan, and hope, this post and Nick’s video will be most distressing to you.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity.”~Jeremiah 29:11-14

God had a plan for Nick’s life, and He has a plan for you. He can bring you out of the captivity of depression. If you liked Nick’s story, please visit http://lifewithoutlimbs.org.

Have a wonderful, hope-filled day. I’ll catch you all tomorrow.

Update!

This post is still drawing comments over 3 weeks after it went live! Because this message is so powerful, it is catching on all over the Net!

My awesome fellow-blogger Lance has recently posted an inspiring video from Nick on his blog, The Jungle of Life. This video is much better than the one above, so be sure to visit Lance’s site for the heart-wrenching version. Thanks Lance for spreading the Word.

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Posted by Jamie | Filed Under Odds and Ends

Comments

Lance

This story is really very inspirational Jamie. It's inspirational in that it shows us, that no matter what our conditions, no matter what we've been through, God loves and cares for us very much. And God has a plan for us - and isn't that awesome news, whether we're like Nick, who suffered from a very noticable deformity, or to myself - and all the deformities I have (things you might not see on first glance). And I think we all have some "deformities" in our life. So this is very powerful, to see Nick's faith in our awesome God! It give me hope and comfort in knowing everything will be all right in my life. Thanks so much for sharing this amazing story Jamie.

<abbr>Lance´s last spectacular blog post..Sunday Thought For The Day</abbr>

Jamie Simmerman

Hi Lance, The video posted here is not clear enough to see Nick's face. When you look in his eyes, you see peace and true joy. We he speaks, he wears his hear on his sleeve. His face is so expressive, his pain comes through loud and clear. Yet he is impacted the entire world with his story. It's absolutely amazing!

I agree that we all have deformities, some visible, most not. Nick took his weakness and used it for God's glory. He is so inspiring!

dc relief

Thank you. Life just took a small turn for me as I watched that.
Respectfully,
dc

Jamie Simmerman

Hey DC, I think a lot of us had that same reaction when we watched the video lesson. There are several other videos about Nick on YouTube if you'd like to watch more. :)

Rita

A very powerful video -- and very powerfully written. I do not share the same "beliefs" necessarily with Nick, but what come shining through is that NICK believes...and is living a fuller life as a result.

ANYTHING that can help a person overcome the despair of depression is worth listening to. It shows others who are there that they are NOT alone...and that there is hope.

Thank you for sharing this. You have done a kindness to more people than you know.

Rita

<abbr>Rita´s last spectacular blog post..Average Children, Mean Parents</abbr>

Jamie Simmerman

Hi Rita, I really appreciate your willingness to listen to Nick's story despite your differing views. I think that is a huge testament to your compassion and character. Thank you.

Julie

Jamie, I saw your post referenced by Lance, today, and wanted you to know how it touched me. Here's what I wrote to Lance: "...this is so timely for me. A dear loved one is struggling (and alternately hiding and lashing out in her struggle) and I just didn't know what to do. Although I couldn't access your video, I did read Nick's site and then went to Laurie's. Her words jumped out at me: "I am a firm believer that love from others, and a genuine love for others is the best treatment for depression." Now, thanks to you and Nick and Laurie, I know what to do to help (of course, deep inside, I always did know) and I have the courage to do it. Thank you, Lance." And thank YOU, too, Laurie. What you wrote is, of course, what I already knew but "forgot."

<abbr>Julie´s last spectacular blog post..Been There, Done That</abbr>

Jamie Simmerman

Hi Julie,

I'm pleased that Nick's story helped you. I pray that you will find the right words to help your friend.

The video is amazing. (The one shown on the One Month to Live DVD was amazing, but YouTube didn't have it.) :(

The Jungle of Life and Lance are great inspirations. He's a keeper/ :)

Jennifer

Thank you for this awesome video Jamie. Nick speaks the truth. God's glory is revealed in our suffering!

A special thanks to Lance for pointing me in your direction. I have stumbled this post and have subscribed to your site.

<abbr>Jennifer´s last spectacular blog post..Come and Share in My Misery</abbr>

Jamie Simmerman

Hi Jennifer! This man is so amazing, I could fill books about what Nick teaches us all.

Lance is terrific, he's always stepping on my mental toes. :)

Thanks for visiting, stumbling, and subscribing. I am honored.