By: Sheila Crowley
Murray County News Staffwriter
Luke Nelson, Balaton, appeared before an assembly of Murray County Central students last Wednesday afternoon as part of kindness week celebrated at the school.
Nelson shared the challenges he faced even before his birth. He suffered a stroke while still in his mother’s uterus and as a result, a significant part of his brain didn’t develop. Nurses termed him “the miracle baby” because a miscarriage was often the outcome of this kind of trauma.
Luke’s determination and positive attitude brought about a much different outcome than what his parents in that he may never be like other kids. Through Luke hard work, perseverance and the help of others, he excelled beyond natural expectations.
However, his freshman year in high school brought about a new challenge – bullying. This pain caused him to consider taking his own life. It was a pain like he’d never experienced. His faith and the values instilled in him as a child along with an attitude of never giving up and advocate who up for him when he was unable to stand up for himself got him through this difficult time.
The physical and emotional struggles Luke faced and overcame growing up have not only made him the man he is today but also given him empathy for youth going through many of the same issues today.
It is Luke’s passion to share his story with as many youths as possible. Luke believes his story will encourage others as they face their own challenges and to be the one who “stands up” for others when they are unable to stand up for themselves.
His presentation started with a short clip depicting his first day of school and how he begged his parents to never have to go back.
Nelson came on stage sharing how sometimes a struggling person starts to believe the lies that are told about them. “Is there something wrong with me? Am I worthless? Will these lies ever fade away?” Nelson stated no matter how much faith he had, the lies seemed to cut deeper and deeper.
Over the years Nelson has spoken to several groups and heard heart-wrenching stories from students who had attempted to take their own lives. He posed a question to the assembly asking the think about how many of them had made fun of another person. He explained how these actions can literally ruin a life.
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