26 Mar, 2008
You're a big help!
World's tallest man struggles to fit in
PODOLYANTSI, Ukraine—Leonid Stadnik's phenomenal height has forced him to quit a job he loved, to stoop as he moves around his house and to spend most of his time in his tiny home village because he cannot fit in a car or bus.
But Stadnik, who according to the Guinness World Records is the world's tallest human, says his condition has also taught him that the world is filled with kindhearted strangers.
Since his recognition by Ukrainian record keepers four years ago, and by Guinness last year, people from all over Ukraine and the world have shipped him out sized clothing, provided his home with running water and recently presented him with a giant bicycle.
"Thanks to good people I have shoes and clothes," said the 37-year-old former veterinarian, who still lives with his 66-year-old mother.
In 2006, Stadnik was officially measured at 2.57 meters tall (8 feet 5 inches), surpassing a Chinese man to claim the title of the world's tallest person.
His growth spurt began at age 14 after a brain operation that apparently stimulated the overproduction of growth hormone. Doctors say he has been growing ever since.
While he may appear intimidating due to his size, Stadnik charms visitors with a broad grin and childlike laugh. He seems at times like a lonely boy trapped in a giant's body, even keeping stuffed toys on his pillow.
Stadnik's stature has earned him worldwide attention, but it has mostly a burden to him. He has to battle to lead anything close to a normal life.
All the doorways in his one-story brick house are too short for him to pass through without stooping. His 200 kilograms (440 pounds) cause constant knee pain and often force him to move on crutches.
Stadnik loves animals, but he had to quit as a veterinarian at a cattle farm in a nearby village, after suffering frostbite when he walked work in his socks in winter. He could not afford specially made shoes for his 43-centimeter (17-inch) feet.
But his recent fame has brought him friends from all over the world and taught him not to despair.
photo & story courtesy ap & twincities.com, 3/25/08
Galatians 5:22
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Galatians 5:23
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (ESV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about the key to showing kindness to others?
Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE notes explain:
5:22,23 The fruit of the Spirit is the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit in us. The Spirit produces these character traits that are found in the nature of Christ. They are the by-products of Christ's control - we can't obtain them by trying to get them without His help. If we want the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us, we must join our life to His (1st John 15:4,5). We must know Him, love Him, remember Him, and imitate Him. As a result , we will fulfill the intended purpose of the law - to love God and our neighbors. Which of these qualities do you want the Spirit to produce in you?
Kindness is part of the fruit of the Spirit. Do others around us experience Christ-like kindness from us?
Today's story about the world's tallest man "struggling to fit in" really caught my attention. You probably know someone who is "struggling to fit in" and they won't receive help because they are probably just one of the "little people" rather than a Guinness record-holder.
We don't know if the people showing kindness to the world's tallest man are Christ-followers, but Christ wants us to show Spirit-produced kindness to the world around us.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- In your daily prayer talks with God, express your desire for His Spirit to control you and produce in you (and through you) the fruit of the Spirit. For the next week, ask Jesus to show you one person every day who could receive some of His kindness through you.
- Read John 15:1-8 to learn more about the fruit that comes with being connected to Jesus, the Vine.
- Keep track in your journal of any ways in which you experience kindness from others and how you share some with others.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?
- With at least two other friends who follow Christ, make a plan for sharing the goal of showing kindness to three people (at school or work) who struggle with fitting in. See if you can come up with ways for these three people to receive some kindness every day for one month. Watch God change you and them.
- Use today's story about the world's tallest man "struggling to fit in" as a conversation starter with a friend who needs Jesus. Talk about what it must be like for this guy in the Ukraine. Share with your friend an example of how you sometimes struggle with fitting in....ask if he or she ever feels this way?
- May 2008 [7]
- April 2008 [22]
- March 2008 [21]
- February 2008 [19]
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- December 2007 [20]
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- December 2006 [6]
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