The incredible story of Hansel Emmanuel and our key takeaway at Rooted and Planted
Get up and get to work
Hansel Enmanuel Donato Domínguez, known as Hansel Enmanuel, (born 24 October 2003) is a Dominican college basketball player for the Austin Peay Governors of the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN).
Enmanuel was born in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic to Hansel Salvador Donato and Katia Domínguezérez, and grew up in Los Mina, one of the poorest in the city. His father had a standout career in the Dominican Professional Basketball League.
At the age of six, Hansel lost his left arm when a cinderblock wall came down on him and trapped him for two hours, requiring amputation below the shoulder. He was hospitalized for about six months. Despite his life-altering injuries, Hansel said he saw the experience as a "blessing." Forced to give up his preferred sport of baseball, he switched his focus to basketball thereafter.
With only one arm, Hansel had difficulty keeping his equilibrium while running, often falling to the ground. However, He dunked for the first time at age 14. Hansel gained recognition in 2020 after posting videos on social media of him playing streetball in his hometown of Santo Domingo despite having only one arm.
There are countless inspirations we can pick out from the life of Enmanuel but let us highlight 6 fantastic characteristics.
His resilience and positivity in the face of adversity: they say when life gives you a lemon, you make lemonade right? After losing an arm as a child, he would have given up and maybe stayed dependent on family members for survival but he chose to defy the odds and push through, he viewed the experience as a "blessing,”. Please get up and move out of that challenge confronting you, you need to find strength and purpose in the face of adversity. Ask God for grace and how to navigate this water, the world needs your testimony.
He left his comfort zone; only God knows if he would have gotten as much recognition as he has now if he just kept his skill to his environment. Thank God for the initiative to leverage social media. He showed up consistently then 2020 was his boom year! The world knew about Emmanuel Hansel. If you have a business, gift, or craft, you need to show up where you can be seen. Leave your comfort zone. If you are not doing anything, then this is a wake-up call for you to start doing something. There is greatness inside you unleash it. It's time to move.
Adaptability to change: this is another admirable quality. Forced to abandon his beloved sport of baseball, he seamlessly transitioned to basketball. Yes, you have tried that business and it didn’t work, refuse to remain in regret, find a new path, step into the waters, and try again.
Freedom to try new things: Although Emmanuel's father was scared to allow him to try this new sport after losing an arm he still allowed him. Like I always say to parents, you are parenting with God, entrust your child in the hands of God, and let him venture into that craft, don't stop that child from manifesting his/her gift.
Determination and hard work: When I watch his workout sessions, I see the countless hours of practice and dedication he puts into his craft. It's amazing! Wow! His success is not mere luck, it’s hard work, and consistency This has been instrumental in his success. He has honed his basketball skills and overcome the physical limitations imposed by his injury. What effort are you putting into your craft? How are you showing up? What are your limitations? There is always a good way out, find it.
Inspiration: His journey has touched countless lives, proving that even in the face of problems, it is possible to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. Be encouraged to embrace your unique abilities, pursue your passions, and never give up on your dreams.
In conclusion, Hansel Enmanuel's life offers valuable lessons. His story is a powerful reminder that with the right mindset and unwavering spirit, it is possible to overcome any challenge and achieve extraordinary things. We at Rooted and Planted pray for continuous grace for Hansel and for “you”. We can't wait to share your story with the world.
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