Christa Brelsford is a graduate student at Arizona State University. A few weeks ago, she was in Haiti volunteering at the Cabois Literacy School when the catastrophic earthquake hit. Although she was one of the first Americans airlifted to a hospital, her injuries were so severe that surgeons had to amputate her right foot.
She met Wenson Georges before the earthquake at the literacy center; he wanted to perfect his English so that he could come to the United States, obtain a university degree, and some day open a computer software business. His mother sold coffee in the local market, and he told Christa that he’d never lived in a house with running water or electricity. He wanted to see what life in the U.S. was like. It was Wenson who helped lift the large concrete slabs that had fallen on top of Christa during the quake. He carried her to the U.N. Peacekeeping Mission office and stayed with her all night until she could get help.
Between surgeries and physical therapy in the hospital, Christa decided to start a nonprofit charity to raise funds to rebuild the literacy school that crumbled during the earthquake and to give a scholarship to Wenson for helping save her life. From her hospital bed, she chose a name and created a website. Now she’s being interviewed on national news circuits to share her story. “If Americans give a little back,” she said, “it can make a huge difference.”
What has God allowed in your life that He wants to use for good? Just look at Joseph. Joseph was certainly in a position to be bitter and vengeful, but listen to what he said to his conniving brothers: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people” (Genesis 50:20). Instead of feeling sorry for yourself or moping around depressed and dejected, ask God for an attitude change and clear direction. Reach out to others instead of centering your focus on yourself, and call to mind the blessings God has given you. Cultivate thankfulness regardless of your circumstances, and take action to make a difference!
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