We all have Challenges that we have to face in life. Some more then others but there are very few that handle their challenges with humble grace and optimism. Emmanuel Kelly Stepped out onto the stage with a huge grin on his face when Auditioning for X Factor Australia. Because of that smile and his pure passion for singing you almost saw past his pronounced limp and his missing arm. As he stepped up to the microphone the judges asked their normal questions as they do with everyone that auditions and then they asked how old he was and he said “Well Actually I am not exactly sure..”  You could feel the mood change in Emmanuel, the live audience, and the judges. He continued, “When I was originally found in Iraq in an orphanage my mom found me, I was born with no birth certificate.”

 Emmanuel and his brother Ahmed were adopted from Iraq, both suffering limb deficiencies as a result of chemical warfare. They were abandoned at an orphanage and rescued by Children First Foundation boss Moira Kelly. She feel in love with the boys and adopted them.

Even after all Emmanuel has been through he is very clear he does not want anyones sympathy and wants to be recognized for his musical talent not his physical challenges.

Emmanuel said his damaged limbs had not held him back and that he was not looking for sympathy.

“I have actually been through nothing compared to some of the other kids I have met and mum has brought out,” he said.

“I don’t want people to look at it and go ‘Wow that is brave.’ I want people to look at me and go, ‘Wow, he has got a really good voice’ or ‘Wow, he is going to go far in life,’ not, ‘Wow, that is brave for him to do that’.”

Emmanuel Kelly wows the X Factor judges with his rendition of John Lennon’s song Imagine

So why do some people with disabilities stare adversity in the face while others let their disabilities consume them? What makes Emmanuel strive and have the will to be everything he can be and follow his passion? I would like to hear your opinion in the comment section below.