If you had to summarize the entirety of your life in one photograph, which one would you use?
The one with your scrunched up, round little face taken the day you were born?
Or perhaps the one taken on the day you graduated college or when you got married?
For Kim Phuc, a photo that best summarized her life was taken on the worst day of her life. It’s also one of the most important and widely recognized photos ever taken. Let me explain.
Just months before the U.S. pulled out of the Vietnam War, the catastrophic effect on the civilian population was beginning to come into full view. Hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese citizens died in the war and more than a million were wounded.
There is no picture that more grotesquely and aptly captures the agony of this time than the one of little Kim; so much so that it received a Pulitzer Prize.
The picture shows what remained of a small Vietnamese village immediately after a napalm bombing, with little children running frantically for their lives.
In the middle of this chaos, one little girl stands out. She’s naked, burned, wailing and racing from the fire. It is the type of photograph that reminds us that behind words like “collateral damage” exists individual lives, permanently altered or lost.
Although that picture defined her life for decades, it no longer does.
The little girl grew up. She had doubts and struggled physically. She grappled with her scars and wondered if she’d ever find love.
Well, she found love and today, the picture that most aptly defines her life would be the one in which Kim is seated, revealing thick scars on her arms and back, but more importantly, holding her own child in her arms with a look of total joy on her face.
My friends, when we look at our old pictures, it’s easy to see what we used to be and no longer are. Today I invite you to look again and consider seeing something else; not only all you once were, but all you can still be.
Because while it is true our past has led us perfectly to where we are today, it’s also true that our mindset, choices and actions today will lead directly to where we end up tomorrow.
This is your day. Live Inspired.
J
Which One Would You Choose? - John O'Leary
Kim Phuc details the agony and recovery from burns suffered during the Vietnam War. She shares her amazing perspective today on healing and forgiveness.This is one of the most difficult pictures to look at – and one of the most iconic of all time. It helped shape our history and I was lucky enough to talk with Kim Phuc to hear her beautiful perspective years later:
“I still have many scars on my body and severe pain most days, but my heart is cleansed.” – Kim Phuc, Kim Foundation International
Listen to #LiveInspired Podcast ep. 192:
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2OA9Rxn
My website: bit.ly/KimPhuc192
Comment below: How do you practice forgiveness?
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
My friends, we cannot do life alone. We certainly can’t succeed by ourselves, but together? Together, it’s on!
Last week, my dedicated VP Abby Richter and I headed to New York to meet with the leadership team at Penguin Random House. A dozen people sat around dreaming of how we can change lives through our book. We were so floored that their passion for our May 2020 book launch mirrored our own!
From there, our brilliant editor Roger Scholl and super agent Michael Palgon joined Abby and me for lunch across the street to celebrate (shown here).
Can’t wait to share more about the new book. For now, please remember that it takes a village and embrace the support from those you’re doing life with. Thank you team! Thank you friends!
Get ready to not only be on fire, but to live in awe!
J
At the end of every podcast episode I ask 7 questions, the final being: It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?
This is Kim Phuc’s answer… and I’m still speechless.
Listen to #LiveInspired #Podcast ep. 192:
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2OA9Rxn
My website: bit.ly/KimPhuc192
This message from a Live Inspired community member moved our entire team (thank you Jamar).
Jamar, you are living a beautiful life. Thanks for ALL you do. You are ABSOLUTELY motivating me + surely those you are doing life with.
Cheers to Jamar and daily decisions to embrace the scars. Show Jamar your love and support in the comments!
The best is yet to come!
