I recently had the opportunity to hear Kevin Laue speak at an event. At first, I assumed Kevin would be just like all the other motivational speakers I’ve heard before. I was happily proven wrong, and left the event feeling enlightened. What made Kevin’s presentation so special was the fact that his message was so plain and simple.
Kevin’s story: Kevin was born with one arm. His parents divorced when he was very young. When he was only ten years old, his father died of cancer. Because of the stress he experienced as a child, Kevin fell behind academically and was not able to read until the third grade. He was a target for bullying, and he struggled to find his place in school. Rather than succumbing to the struggles he faced, Kevin chose to rise above them. In the seventh grade Kevin tried out for his middle school basketball team, but he didn’t make the team because his coach believed that “he wasn’t cut out for a two handed sport.” Most people would give up at this point, but Kevin pushed forward. He played travel basketball instead, and was encouraged by his coach all the time. He eventually became successful academically in high school and became a high school basketball star. He went on to play basketball at Manhattan College and became the first player missing a limb to play NCAA Division 1 basketball.
Kevin had been through a great deal in his life, and he encouraged others to rise above the challenges that they face each day and embrace the characteristics and qualities that make them unique. Although Kevin seemed successful with his basketball career, he explained that nothing fulfilled him more than making a difference, big or small, in someone else’s life. He firmly believed that high salaries, fine dining, and shiny cars do not measure true success in life. It’s measured by the positive impact that someone makes on others.
When he was in high school, Kevin made a bold move and stood up for a girl that was being bullied at a homecoming dance. Rather than joining everyone in pointing and laughing, Kevin joined the girl in dancing. Kevin’s message was that it doesn’t take a title or position, special skill set or special circumstances, to have the power to make someone’s day a little brighter. We each have the ability to reach out to someone or stand up for an injustice. The question is, are we too afraid to take time out of our busy day or risk a social status change to make a difference?
Don’t let obstacles bring you down, and don’t be afraid to step out and do something good. For more on Kevin Laue, check out his documentary, Long Shot: The Kevin Laue Story.
