A Light in the Dark

Today’s scripture takes me back to my childhood in Africa. I grew up in a poverty-stricken household among alcoholism and domestic abuse. As a result, I took refuge in books, becoming a perennial head of the class. However, as I grew older, the situation at home became heavier, leading to feelings of shame, embarrassment, and low self-esteem. Bullies of all ages took advantage of this, reinforcing the ugliness I felt inside. My father, during the few times he was sober, hammered into me that a daughter was an unwelcome liability and not an asset.

However, through my mother’s steadfast commitment to prayer, I learned that no hurdle was too big for God. Throughout my life, God has sent people to light my path — like my secondary-school teacher, who mentored me and painstakingly reversed all the negative beliefs I held, and my extended family, who used their resources to help and shelter me. Countless others have contributed to my life’s journey.

Now that I’m a professional working with victims of domestic abuse, I realize how God used my lived experiences and hardships to prepare me for this role. When I look back now, I am more convinced than ever that God knows what is best for each one of us, and we can trust God.