As a young man Demosthenes, the famous Greek orator, had a speech impediment that made him feel shy and insecure. His father left him a wealthy estate, but according to Greek law at the time, to claim his estate he had to establish his right of ownership through public debate. Because of his inability to speak clearly and prove his ownership he lost his inheritance.
Motivated by his loss and through dogged determination Demosthenes overcame his speech impediment to become one of the great orators of ancient times. Nobody remembers who got his inheritance but the story of Demosthenes has been told to countless numbers for centuries.
Back in college days I recall one of my professors saying that it takes twenty years to make a preacher and that the most effective are those whose lives are tempered by suffering. "Nonsense," I said to myself at the time. I was wrong.
Pain, disappointment, sorrow, suffering, and sadness, and not success, are what can make a person more understanding, gentle, kind, understanding, accepting, loving, and real—if we allow this to happen and not become bitter.
Dear God
please help me
not to avoid my pain
but to face it
embrace it
own it
and bring it to you
for your healing touch
and use it
to make me
more sensitive
to the suffering of others
and help them in their pain.
Thank you for hearing and answering my prayerz
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