Strength from Adversity

"I thank God for my handicaps, for through them, I have found myself, my work and my God." - Helen Keller

A friend once told me, "Our strengths are often our weaknesses and our weaknesses are often our greatest strengths." If I take a look at my own life, I can see that when I have my mind made up about something, I am VERY determined to accomplish it; nothing will stop me. While this positive attitude has been an asset in adhering to my faith, it, also, has often led me near the snares of Hell in the past because I was too stubborn to admit I needed help. A strong will is great when used for good, but when utilized for ungodly purposes, the results can be devastating.

Helen Keller was deprived of her sight, hearing, and ability to speak due to a severe illness in infancy. She not only learned to read, write, and speak, but went on to graduate cum laude from Radcliffe College. In addition to being the author of articles, books and biographies, Helen was active on the staffs of the American Foundation for the Blind and the American Foundation for the Overseas Blind. She also was an inspiring lecturer and received several awards of great distinction.

Helen's strength and optimistic attitude helped her overcome her weaknesses, which COULD have been her permanent handicaps. Miss Keller could have complained, and felt sorry for herself, but she wanted a more productive and meaningful life. She recognized her handicaps or weaknesses and strove to overcome them by relying on Anne Sullivan, her friend and teacher, as well God.

Her story is a perfect example of human potential and learning how to lean on someone other than ourselves. God wants us to reach out and lean on Him in this same way. Alone, our burdens are often too heavy to bare, but, by putting our faith and trust in Him, God can lessen our load. It is only God, who can make something useful out of something, we, as fleshly human beings, might perceive as a weakness or a handicap. In the continued wise words of Miss Keller, "Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows."

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Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2005 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living: A Christian marriage manual and Life-guide", "Son Salutations" and "Daily Contemplations", a collection of read-one-a-day modern inspirations. For more information, visit http://www.melanieschurr.com