I'm Not Finished Yet (Grant Wilson, Australia, 2023)
This short film explores themes of achievement, motivation and faith through the lens of adult experience and physical disability. With a focus on quadriplegia and life in a wheelchair, it offers thoughtful moments that invite reflection rather than prescription. Audiences can expect a personal and honest approach that acknowledges the challenges and small victories people with disability face. The film sits comfortably within the Focus on Ability festival programme, which celebrates the talents, stories and contributions of people with disability. It is a considered piece for viewers interested in resilience, belief and the everyday work of living fully.
My name's Grant, and I'm a quadriplegic. For the first 39 years of my life, I've faced both mental and physical challenges, but nothing could have prepared me for the challenge that I was about to face. August 16th is a day that I will never forget. I was at a local bike track with my family. I lined up my bike to ride over this wooden rollover, but on that first little hill, my front wheel came off the side, and I went head over the handlebars, landing directly on the back of my head and breaking my neck. I was instantly paralysed. It was like someone had turned off the switch to my entire body. Within minutes, I was being flown by helicopter to Royal North Shore Hospital for assessment and then surgery. Waking up in ICU, doctors informed me that due to my injury, I was now a C4 incomplete quadriplegic. Simply put, that means that all of my four limbs have been affected. Everything from my injury site down, my arms, my legs, my bowels, my bladder, has all been affected by my injury, and I can't feel, I have no sensation from the shoulders down. The reality of the situation was that medical staff were telling me that I would never walk again. Life was never, ever going to be the same again. I really thought that this injury was so much more than I could overcome. My faith and trust in God and his goodness has been foundational to my life and who I am. So, as I lay in that hospital bed one night, with all the doubts running through my mind, I really felt God speak to me in a still, small voice and tell me that Grant, I'm not finished with you yet. I can remember the first kind of flicker in my hand and the movement in my arm, and seeing the look on my wife's face and excitement in her eyes was just the encouragement I needed not to give up. After a week in ICU, I was transferred to Prince of Wales Hospital, where it was time to begin my rehab journey. Independence was my goal, and being able to push myself in a manual wheelchair was how I was going to get there. As I gained more and more movement, I got stronger and stronger, pushing myself around the ward, up hills, and eventually all over the place. Although my wheelchair gave me the independence I needed back, I was determined to learn to stand on my own, and even if it was just a few steps, to learn to walk again. I started to move in quick succession through all these different mobility aids, gaining more and more strength in this damaged body of mine. I can now pretty confidently, on my own, walk with crutches, and even in my own kind of style, walking about 15 metres, all on my own. After my injury, there were so many things that I believed I would never be able to do again, yet here I am, walking, driving, swimming, spending time with my family in the water. I'm lifting weights, I'm skiing, I'm back on the mountain bike, and I'm conquering mountains. And yet the greatest achievement is being able to stand up, to look my wife in the eye, and tell her just how much I love her. Being with my kids, laughing, playing, and just enjoying life. I didn't get to where I am today all on my own. It's been my faith, my family, my friends, and community that have got me here. I'm so thankful for the people in my life who have stood by me through all of this, which has been the greatest challenge that I've ever faced. I don't know what's next, what life will look like in 6 or 12 months' time. All I do know is, I'm not finished yet. For more information visit www.FEMA.gov
Filmmaker
Grant Wilson is the filmmaker behind this entry.
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52 comments
T
Trevor Sanders7/11/2023
Wow Grant what a blessing you are. We knew of your journey in recent years and are so proud of you.
K
Kit Leong18/10/2023
Simply insiprational Yours is a story worth telling and re-telling as it will inspire others in a similar situation to not give up and know that God is NOT finished with us yet Congratulations
D
Daron Himstedt18/10/2023
Grant thank you for capturing your inspirational story on film. As you say I'm not finished yet. as God has plenty for you yet.
P
Peter Glen25/09/2023
It's an inspiration to know that even in the face of immovable objects all can be overcome with the support of the Lord.Thankyou.
B
Bill Jauncey2/09/2023
Thank you Grant for a film that is inspirational in every sense of the word. Thank you.
W
Wentworth CHEN2/09/2023
How inspirational Thanks for sharing I dont have any excuses to say I cant do this or that any more after seeing what youve been through and achieved truly amazing keep it up
M
Megan Casey31/08/2023
Ive seen you working with the Physio when Ive been training at Oxygen and along with watching this Im so in awe of your tenacity and amazing improvement after your accident. Truly inspirational.
D
Donna Hall31/08/2023
Hi Grant You definitely are not finished yet and the best is yet to come. I admire your courage perseverence and most of all your faith in our Lord who continues to sustain you with His love. God bless you and can't wait to see what you continue to achieve. xx
L
Lynette Walker29/08/2023
Beautifully presented film. Well done.
V
Vivien Harrison26/08/2023
Grant you are an inspiration And I'm so thankful that you had hope in Jesus who gave you hope that God hadn't finished with you yet May this film inspire many with the same hope
J
Jane Ferriday24/08/2023
Keep climbing those mountains brave wise Grant Arent we lucky God bless
D
Dinoo Kelleghan24/08/2023
Your faith moved you UP mountains Grant. My throat is tight. Thank you.
S
Shannon Rebel23/08/2023
Inspirational and amazing
A
Aziza Bushra23/08/2023
What an amazing story of faith strength and courage. May the Lord continue to bless you and fill you with His grace.
A
Annie Meyer21/08/2023
What an inspiration you and Kate are Grant. Your choice to believe and keep pushing even on the dark days is such a legacy to your family and us all. Thank you for sharing your story. The best is to come xx
J
Julie Wood21/08/2023
My son had a spinal cord injury with injuries to his 34 vertebrae.. he has more movement in his legs.. I believe God uses my home as a mission field for the caring souls that enter our home.. God always uses tragedys for the Good..God Bless for your beautiful testimony.. may god bless you .. may the lord keep you ..may his face shine upon you
L
Luke Sheldon21/08/2023
God bless you Grant.I cannot wait to meet you whether this side of eternity or beyond.
P
Philip Rae21/08/2023
Grant you are a great example of how to overcome life's pain and disappointments. Your wife is a beautiful women and faithful she is the true proverbial women. May your Saviour continue His amazing work in your family's lives. Just prayed that Jehova Jireh will meet you every need. He will because that is His character.
K
Kitty Xu20/08/2023
Great
S
Steve Quinn19/08/2023
Great film Grant inspiring to see what God has done in your life. Hope the film is seen by lots of people and provides encouragement for them.
I
Ian Kilminster19/08/2023
Grant's testimony is such an encouragement to everyone who sees it. Most of us have no idea the cost to the individual family friends wider commuinity. His faith must have been severely tested but our Lord is faithful has never left him as Jesus has promised to anyone who reaches our to Him in good times bad. Yes the focus is right to focus on a person's ABILITY as another friends reminds us who experienced a life changing event.Blessings iank
C
Chris Thornhill19/08/2023
What an amazing story of faith courage determination and hope Grant Wilson - thank you for sharing your inspiring story and doing so in such a powerful way.
W
Wendy Horsfield19/08/2023
Bless you as you share your wonderful story of God's power continuing to work in your life. What an encouragement your story is
G
Graeme Hush19/08/2023
No words to describe the feelings I experienced during my viewing of Grant's story - 'I'm Not Finished Yet'. Powerful inspirational poignant. One of the clearest testimonies I've ever heard about how God walks with us no matter the circumstances. My prayer is that this film gets the opportunities to reach people that need to experience this raw truth that it demands.
K
Ken Kamau19/08/2023
Grant you are an inspiration. Your story will echo on for generations to come
S
Steve Bartlett18/08/2023
Utterly inspirational Grant. So thankful for your example of faith and determination
N
Neal Flatley18/08/2023
Grant's story is powerful and gritty told with grace and love.
D
David Sansoni18/08/2023
Jesus saith unto him Rise take up thy bed and walk. John 58Grant you your wife your family and your community truly inspire. God bless.
I
Ian Altman17/08/2023
Grant is a true inspiration a man of courage and deep faith. Thank you for sharing your story. 2 Corinthians 48-11We are hard pressed on every side but not crushed perplexed but not in despair persecuted but not abandoned struck down but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus sake so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.
S
Shireen Saranapala17/08/2023
Truly inspirational
D
David Wilson17/08/2023
Its great to see your determination pay off and your faith inspire you onward. The short film is great and I hope it inspires others in their journey as much as your faith has supported you.
N
Neil Shepherd17/08/2023
Best of luck Grant you have come a long way and achieved so much. Cheers THE GOOD SHEPHERD
R
Rose-Marie Kellaway17/08/2023
Grantabsolutely awesome. Your best is yet to come Im totally challenged and inspired.
M
Margaret Adams17/08/2023
A great testament to the value of faith family and friends. Also a great inspiration Grant to those with or without a disability.
C
cherie green16/08/2023
You are inspirational x
L
Linda Hougton16/08/2023
Grant you are an inspiration to those who know and love you our love to you and your family.
G
Graham Watt16/08/2023
Wow What a great inspiration Grant is. Thanks for never giving up and cant wait to see what God has in store over the coming months and years
E
Elsa Cooper16/08/2023
Wonderful inspiring story of love community faith and perseverance.
V
Vince Carole Warby16/08/2023
Grant you are an inspiration to both of us have seen the effort you have put into your recovery after your accident 2 years ago. You are incredible our church love you to bits we love you to bits too including your family. Always pray for you your family. Thank you that you are our very special friend Pastor. You have a achieved so much in such a short period of time. God bless you as you continue to achieve in all things. Our love to you always. From Vince Carole
P
Pamela Reynolds16/08/2023
Thank you Grant for your testimony to the truth of God's word to us - His creation whom he loves. May the God who gives endurance encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had so that with one mind one voice you may glorify the God Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1556.
C
Chris Kerr16/08/2023
Grant you have been an amazing inspiration to all who know love you. To see your tenacity drive to recover as much as you possible after your life changing accident has been truly incredible.
J
Joan Wilson16/08/2023
This is our boy ......praise our God maker of heaven and earth for giving him the determination and perseverance which has inspired us all.
K
Ken Falkner16/08/2023
No challenge is off limits for you may your efforts in this area strengthen you and help others.
S
Stewart Ronda Aiken16/08/2023
Our love to you and your family and the enormous gratitude to our Lord Jesus for His magnificent Blessings in holding your hand on your journey.
P
Premila Kumarage16/08/2023
Your life my life and everyone else's life is not finished yet But remember Jesus said it is finished. Jesus's it is finished is the finish. Let's journey on....till we reach the finish line.
M
Margaret Boothroyd16/08/2023
We're all so very proud of you Grant. God bless
B
Beth Falkner16/08/2023
Just wonderful to see your faith in action.Our Lord is not finished yet.
M
Michael Phipps16/08/2023
A beautiful story from an inspired spirit driven man. Inspiring as always Grant. We all know that he definitely not finished with you yet God bless you in this competition
A
Anne Jones16/08/2023
Watching Grant overcome so many enormous challenges in the last two years has been truly inspiring. His determination and faithfulness has encouraged us all.
C
Christopher Apps16/08/2023
As a c67 incomplete quadriplegic from a mountain bike accident. This short film is so truthful and honest.
Wow Grant what a blessing you are. We knew of your journey in recent years and are so proud of you.
Simply insiprational Yours is a story worth telling and re-telling as it will inspire others in a similar situation to not give up and know that God is NOT finished with us yet Congratulations
Grant thank you for capturing your inspirational story on film. As you say I'm not finished yet. as God has plenty for you yet.
It's an inspiration to know that even in the face of immovable objects all can be overcome with the support of the Lord.Thankyou.
Thank you Grant for a film that is inspirational in every sense of the word. Thank you.
How inspirational Thanks for sharing I dont have any excuses to say I cant do this or that any more after seeing what youve been through and achieved truly amazing keep it up
Ive seen you working with the Physio when Ive been training at Oxygen and along with watching this Im so in awe of your tenacity and amazing improvement after your accident. Truly inspirational.
Hi Grant You definitely are not finished yet and the best is yet to come. I admire your courage perseverence and most of all your faith in our Lord who continues to sustain you with His love. God bless you and can't wait to see what you continue to achieve. xx
Beautifully presented film. Well done.
Grant you are an inspiration And I'm so thankful that you had hope in Jesus who gave you hope that God hadn't finished with you yet May this film inspire many with the same hope
Keep climbing those mountains brave wise Grant Arent we lucky God bless
Your faith moved you UP mountains Grant. My throat is tight. Thank you.
Inspirational and amazing
What an amazing story of faith strength and courage. May the Lord continue to bless you and fill you with His grace.
What an inspiration you and Kate are Grant. Your choice to believe and keep pushing even on the dark days is such a legacy to your family and us all. Thank you for sharing your story. The best is to come xx
My son had a spinal cord injury with injuries to his 34 vertebrae.. he has more movement in his legs.. I believe God uses my home as a mission field for the caring souls that enter our home.. God always uses tragedys for the Good..God Bless for your beautiful testimony.. may god bless you .. may the lord keep you ..may his face shine upon you
God bless you Grant.I cannot wait to meet you whether this side of eternity or beyond.
Grant you are a great example of how to overcome life's pain and disappointments. Your wife is a beautiful women and faithful she is the true proverbial women. May your Saviour continue His amazing work in your family's lives. Just prayed that Jehova Jireh will meet you every need. He will because that is His character.
Great
Great film Grant inspiring to see what God has done in your life. Hope the film is seen by lots of people and provides encouragement for them.
Grant's testimony is such an encouragement to everyone who sees it. Most of us have no idea the cost to the individual family friends wider commuinity. His faith must have been severely tested but our Lord is faithful has never left him as Jesus has promised to anyone who reaches our to Him in good times bad. Yes the focus is right to focus on a person's ABILITY as another friends reminds us who experienced a life changing event.Blessings iank
What an amazing story of faith courage determination and hope Grant Wilson - thank you for sharing your inspiring story and doing so in such a powerful way.
Bless you as you share your wonderful story of God's power continuing to work in your life. What an encouragement your story is
No words to describe the feelings I experienced during my viewing of Grant's story - 'I'm Not Finished Yet'. Powerful inspirational poignant. One of the clearest testimonies I've ever heard about how God walks with us no matter the circumstances. My prayer is that this film gets the opportunities to reach people that need to experience this raw truth that it demands.
Grant you are an inspiration. Your story will echo on for generations to come
Utterly inspirational Grant. So thankful for your example of faith and determination
Grant's story is powerful and gritty told with grace and love.
Jesus saith unto him Rise take up thy bed and walk. John 58Grant you your wife your family and your community truly inspire. God bless.
Grant is a true inspiration a man of courage and deep faith. Thank you for sharing your story. 2 Corinthians 48-11We are hard pressed on every side but not crushed perplexed but not in despair persecuted but not abandoned struck down but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus sake so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.
Truly inspirational
Its great to see your determination pay off and your faith inspire you onward. The short film is great and I hope it inspires others in their journey as much as your faith has supported you.
Best of luck Grant you have come a long way and achieved so much. Cheers THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Grantabsolutely awesome. Your best is yet to come Im totally challenged and inspired.
A great testament to the value of faith family and friends. Also a great inspiration Grant to those with or without a disability.
You are inspirational x
Grant you are an inspiration to those who know and love you our love to you and your family.
Wow What a great inspiration Grant is. Thanks for never giving up and cant wait to see what God has in store over the coming months and years
Wonderful inspiring story of love community faith and perseverance.
Grant you are an inspiration to both of us have seen the effort you have put into your recovery after your accident 2 years ago. You are incredible our church love you to bits we love you to bits too including your family. Always pray for you your family. Thank you that you are our very special friend Pastor. You have a achieved so much in such a short period of time. God bless you as you continue to achieve in all things. Our love to you always. From Vince Carole
Thank you Grant for your testimony to the truth of God's word to us - His creation whom he loves. May the God who gives endurance encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had so that with one mind one voice you may glorify the God Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1556.
Grant you have been an amazing inspiration to all who know love you. To see your tenacity drive to recover as much as you possible after your life changing accident has been truly incredible.
This is our boy ......praise our God maker of heaven and earth for giving him the determination and perseverance which has inspired us all.
No challenge is off limits for you may your efforts in this area strengthen you and help others.
Our love to you and your family and the enormous gratitude to our Lord Jesus for His magnificent Blessings in holding your hand on your journey.
Your life my life and everyone else's life is not finished yet But remember Jesus said it is finished. Jesus's it is finished is the finish. Let's journey on....till we reach the finish line.
We're all so very proud of you Grant. God bless
Just wonderful to see your faith in action.Our Lord is not finished yet.
A beautiful story from an inspired spirit driven man. Inspiring as always Grant. We all know that he definitely not finished with you yet God bless you in this competition
Watching Grant overcome so many enormous challenges in the last two years has been truly inspiring. His determination and faithfulness has encouraged us all.
As a c67 incomplete quadriplegic from a mountain bike accident. This short film is so truthful and honest.