If you looked up the word “freedom” in a dictionary, you might be surprised to find a picture and biography of Isaac Lidsky as a case study. His story is a reminder of the relationship between freedom and potential.
The Storybook Life of Isaac Lidsky
As a child, Isaac appeared in more than 150 commercials. At age 13, he starred in NBC’s TV show, Saved by the Bell. He attended Columbia College at 15 and transferred to Harvard University, where he graduated at 19 with honors degrees in mathematics and computer science.
In the summer following his first degree, Isaac co-founded an Internet advertising business. He spent two years at the startup before leaving to enroll at Harvard Law School (HLS), where he graduated magna cum laude. Years later, the company he had co-founded was acquired for $230 million.
While studying at HLS, Isaac met Dorothy Johnston, who became his wife. The couple had four children, including a set of triplets.
After graduating from law school, Isaac served as a law clerk for Supreme Court Justices Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
A few years later, Isaac and a college roommate purchased a failing, Florida-based construction company. Isaac became the CEO and his business partner became the Chief Financial Officer. Today under Isaac’s leadership, the company is successful and worth more than $70 million.
Isaac has lived what many would consider a storybook life. Yet he has never seen most of his accomplishments — he is blind.
How could someone with such a limitation achieve so much?
Your Limitless Potential
Isaac is honest about the limitations of his blindness, but he also knows they do not diminish his potential. He said, “When I was diagnosed with my blinding disease, I knew blindness would ruin my life. . . . It was a lie. . . . If I had not confronted the reality of my fear, I would have lived it.” Every day he chooses to pursue his potential rather than focus on his limitations. It’s a choice that has brought him true freedom.
If we’re honest with ourselves, we have limitations, too. But we also have potential. And no one knows this better than our Creator. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory. . . .” (Ephesians 3:20-21a)
Your loftiest dreams, your deepest thoughts — God is able to do far more abundantly than even the limits of your own mind. He enables us to realize our potential in Him. Don’t let past failures, the opinions of others, or your own fears and limitations put you in a box. Don’t settle for a mediocre, sub-par existence. Dream big. God has given you great potential and is calling you to experience the joy of realizing it for His glory. Embrace this freedom today.
Article by Cam Edwards
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