Unstoppable: 8 Examples, part 5

 “The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”-- Psalm 34:17-18 (KJV)

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This is my fifth article in a series on underdogs who win. They all rose above the obstacles set up by society, or by their circumstances. Please scroll through the previous writings to see examples of females who broke barriers in various areas.

Today’s piece of writing will focus on men and women of great faith and/or belief for a better life. One of them shattered religious tradition. The others refused to be stopped by setbacks. 

The (Roman) Centurion of Matthew, Chapter 8

This rank is usually translated as “Captain”. This person, in actuality, would supervise anywhere from 80 to 800 soldiers. They were undeniably powerful. Jesus agreed to heal this officer’s young servant. The Lord intended to follow the man to his house.

The officer declined the offer. He said he wasn’t worthy to have Jesus in his home. As a supervisor of soldiers, he understood the usefulness of passing on instructions. This good man knew how to delegate.

This warrior asked Jesus to simply announce that the servant was healed. The Savior was astonished, and he said he’d never seen greater faith. This is what happened next:

“And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.”—Matthew 8:13 (KJV)

America’s Got Talent, Season 13

This variety show is a platform for people who refuse to be kept down. Here are some of the skill sets displayed:

• Music
• Comedy
• Magic
• Danger
• Dance

Close-up magician

Shin Lim (Winner)

In 2012, he was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. He had to choose between becoming a concert pianist and becoming a magician. His musical training was requiring 20 hours of practice a week. He chose magic.

In 2016, Shin injured two tendons in his left thumb. Medical professionals said he’d probably lose the use of it. That wasn’t an option for Mr. Lim. He underwent extremely painful, intense therapy. The magician eventually recovered full use of that finger.

Dance Groups

Da Republik (Dominican Republic)

They are from the fourth poorest nation in the Caribbean. Quora says the average income on their island is US$7,375 per year.

Junior New System (Philippines)

These teens pick trash out of garbage dumps to sell for pennies a day. They live in tiny homemade shacks with seven to eight other people. Their neighborhoods are full of crime.

Acrobat/Trapeze Act

Duo Transcend

The husband in this partnership is slowly going blind.

Stand-up Comedian

Samuel J. Comroe

This hilarious man has Tourette syndrome. He has uncontrollable facial twitches.  Comroe makes fun of his condition in his act.

Musicians

Brian King Joseph (electric violinist)

He has a degenerative nerve disease. It’s beyond painful now. It will eventually get to the point where he can’t move and/or feel anything in his entire body.

Courtney Hadwin (singer from England)

This shy teenager sings and dances like the 1960s-era U.S. singing sensation, Janis Joplin. She’s been bullied because some people don’t appreciate or understand her style.

My Conclusion

“The marvelous richness of human experience would lose something of rewarding joy if there were no limitations to overcome. The hilltop hour would not be half so wonderful if there were no dark valleys to traverse.”—Helen Keller brainyquote.com

Do you have faith in the valley?