One of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s first experiences of segregation happened when he was about six years old. He was told by the parent of a white friend that they couldn’t play together anymore. It’s no surprise, then, that in his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, he says he dreams of a nation where black and white children can hold hands. Where someone else might have used a traumatic experience and blow to the heart to fuel the fire of hatred and division, Dr. King used his to unite people.
In the book of Genesis, Joseph’s brothers are so jealous of their father’s extravagant love for him that they sell Joseph into slavery. When Joseph becomes the second most powerful man in Egypt, and his brothers come begging for help in the famine, Joseph graciously provides for them. He uses his traumatic experience and blow to the heart for good, saving his brothers’ lives and those of the people of Egypt.
Like all of us, I’ve had traumatic experiences and blows to my heart. But I mustn’t ever forget these two powerful examples. They’re wonderful reminders that Jesus can still use me to make the world a better place—not despite my hardships, but because of them and the goodness He can draw forth from them.
—Claire McGarry
