Justin Hines – A Positive Inspiration
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
Photos: www.justinhines.com, my space – Justin Hines
When life seems to be getting you down, there could be no better medicine than to listen to the inspirational music of Justin Hines.
Recently, I was introduced to the story of Justin Hines when “CBS Sunday Morning” profiled the young man’s heartwarming story and I couldn’t wait to share as a means of galvanizing others.
This gifted 29-year-old musician suffers from Larsen Syndrome, a joint dislocation condition that has left Hines unable to walk and confined to a wheelchair for his entire life.
Justin was born in Canada and spent the majority of the first five years of his life in the hospital. At that time, it would be difficult to realize but through his mother’s love and devotion, this shaped him into the artist that he would become. His mother was constantly at his bedside in the hospital and frequently would sing to him. It was obvious that this was soothing and enjoyable to him. He sang along with her in his own imaginable way.
Not having the ability to walk never got Hines down. He always has had a positive outlook on life, always is seen smiling in any picture that is ever taken. While others may see the glass half empty, he sees the glass half full. Curiosity is an innocent characteristic of children and Hines was no different. As a young child, he asked his mom one day what it was like to walk. After his mother raised him up and put him on her own feet and took a few steps, he determined that walking was ‘alot of work, very overrated’.
Just as much as Justin loved to smile, he also loved to sing and was very good at it. At the young age of seven, he wrote his first gospel hit. He definitely overcame any hints of stage fright when he won a contest at fourteen years of age to sing at a Toronto Raptors Basketball Game for 17,000 people.
Justin Hines emotionally connects with his audiences. Hines has a special presence. His love of music has opened the door to so many exciting experiences. He has traveled to far off lands such as Dubai and South Africa. He released his first album in 2007 – ‘Sides’.
With the release of his second album in 2009, ‘Chasing Silver’, he skyrocketed to the top and the song, ‘Say What You Will’ was an overnight success. It became #1 in South Africa and was a means for people all over the world to express themselves through Hines’ gift of song. The song was used in South Africa for a campaign to build schools and Hines was able to visit in person, a thrilling undertaking for those that were swept off their feet by his music as well as for Hines himself. Hines also sang, ‘There’s No Place Like This’ for a television commercial for Tourism Ontario.
Justin Hines has given others the promise that to dream and hope and aspire is to make it a reality. On March 4, 2010, he was part of the first-ever Canadian Paralympic Torch Relay. He has defied all expectations and created his own foundation, ‘Justin Hines Foundation’. Through their efforts, they raise awareness for individuals with disabilities who are in need. Focus on the abilities, not the disabilities. In Justin’s own words, “I’ve come to realize that true fulfillment begins with believing that each one of our lives can serve a purpose for the greater good. At this point in my journey, I feel honoured to be in a position where I can combine my passion for music with my desire to spread a message of love on a large scale. I feel it is my duty as a human being to at least attempt giving back as much as I have taken from this Earth. This is a lofty goal but I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of unselfishly assisting those who desire and deserve help. I, like many others, simply want to help.”
His videos are upbeat, filled with people like you and me smiling on a bright new day holding affirmation of everything we should be thankful for.
This holiday season, Hines has been busy spreading cheer, good wishes and happiness. He has performed with the Canadian Tenors in the United States in Cerritos, California, Portland, Oregon and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Then it was on to the Kennedy Centre in Washington, D.C. for a spectacular performance.
Justin Hines touches his audiences and his fans in an extraordinary way. He is living proof that life is what you make of it. Reach for the stars, the sun and the moon and it will be achievable!
JUSTIN HINES
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