Pictured: Steven Elliot training a 'working dog' in the skills of mustering sheep and cattle from his home in Winton, Queensland.
Every now and then I meet a real Australian legend, a hard working hero who has overcome all kinds of setbacks and humbly gotten on with life. On New Years Eve 2003 at Black River, North QLD, Steven Elliot’s life changed forever while competing in a rodeo event. His spinal cord was partly severed and he was destined to be a quadriplegic. From 10 years as a champion saddle bronc rider to being completely bed ridden. But with the love and support of many and a deep determination Steven managed to recover the use of his upper body. The locals in Winton passed the hat around and bought him a motorised wheelchair that could handle a bit of outback work. Summertime sees him in his shed making branding irons for clients all over Australia and training his dogs… In the winter he sets off on the working dog competition circuit with his truck and modified horse float he uses for accommodation.
Steven Elliot never let his accident slow him down. He chose to keep going and build something from his tragic circumstances. This humble man in a wheelchair is inspiring to hang around with as he speaks quietly to his ever attentive dogs doing the work that he cannot do. Thank you Steven for the time this week.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
We can focus on the stuff that cripples our dreams and give up, or we can choose to keep believing that there is hope in the hard times.
Thanks mate..
Godspeed
Steve Grace
