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Ministry Beyond Messy People 5 Ministry Beyond Amputation

In this episode, we explore the deep emotional and spiritual challenges of staying on course when life feels unjust and God seems silent. Discover how embracing your passion and purpose can guide you through adversity, even when the road ahead feels uncertain and full of obstacles.

To contact Antonio T. Smith Jr.

https://www.facebook.com/theatsjr

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Antonio-T.-Smith-Jr/author/B00M3MPVJ8

https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoniotsmithjr

https://antoniotsmithjr.com

https://www.instagram.com/theatsjr

 

1. Life Events and Challenges

• Early Life:
• Moved to Arizona in 1959 due to mother's health condition (rheumatoid arthritis).
• The move helped her stay on her feet for another 30 years.
• 1985 Incident:
• Shot accidentally by a child playing with a rifle, leading to severe injuries.
• The bullet shattered the spleen and entered the backbone.
• Health Complications:
• 20 years after losing the spleen, contracted an illness in 2005 leading to amputations.
• Hospital Experience:
• Faced pressure from medical professionals to sign a Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) order for Jeff.
• Refused to give up, inspired by a poem that said "don't give up."

2. Determination and Overcoming Adversity

• Advocacy for Jeff:
• Convinced a reluctant surgeon to operate on Jeff despite risks.
• Jeff survived the surgery but woke up without hands and feet.
• Proposed marriage to her in June 2005, shortly after the ordeal.
• Life After Amputations:
• Received encouragement from former colleagues and visitors to use the experience positively.
• Returned to teaching full-time less than eight months after the surgery.
• Embraces a philosophy of focusing on what can be done rather than limitations.

3. Motivational Messages and Life Philosophy

• Living Fully:
• Encourages others not to "pile up empty yesterdays" and to live actively.
• Believes one must "get a new you" to have a new year.
• Emphasizes patience and the idea that success is a process, not an instant result.
• Self-Trust and Personal Growth:
• Urges people to trust their intuition and follow their own path.
• Uses the analogy of a two-lane road with speed bumps to describe staying true to one’s direction.
• Highlights the importance of taking action, not just thinking about ideas.

4. Inspirational Quotes and Analogies

• "The Music Man" Reference:
• Cites the quote: "If you pile up enough tomorrows, all you'll find is a bunch of empty yesterdays."
• Compass Metaphor:
• Suggests trusting one’s own compass to guide toward goals and dreams.
• Emphasizes the need to cut a new path that aligns with personal values.
• Cliff Analogy:
• Compares facing challenges to hanging from a cliff, where the focus should be on strengthening one’s hold rather than fearing the fall.

5. Personal and Community Impact

• Encouragement from Peers:
• Colleagues pushed for a timeline for returning to work instead of opting for disability.
• Positive Influence:
• Believes in helping others through sharing his story and experiences.
• Sees life as full of wonderful people and opportunities yet to be discovered.

6. Faith and Purpose

• Belief in Divine Purpose:
• Does not believe that God caused his hardships but feels kept alive for a reason.
• Commitment to Helping Others:
• Focuses on contributing positively to others and encouraging them to overcome challenges.

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