When we think about pain, the first thing that comes to mind is usually negative. However, I have heard people say phrases like “growing pains” or “positive pain.” While pain can cause discomfort at the time of the experience, careful consideration of what resulted from the pain or what was learned during it could lead to solutions that benefit future generations.
As horrific as human trafficking or domestic violence is, surviving such experiences presents an opportunity to turn that pain into gain for ourselves and others, both within and outside our communities. We can do this in various ways, such as creating programs, training professionals to recognize and collaborate with people who have lived through these experiences in a mutually beneficial manner.
Another benefit of these experiences is that they can help us discover hidden talents within ourselves, such as painting, writing, braiding, singing, praying, creating products, and so on. In fact, the list is endless.
I have personally used my painful experiences to write books, create products such as Ewa Hair & Skincare, train professionals, found a nonprofit organization, consult for governments at international, national, state, and local levels, build capacity for others with or without lived experiences to become entrepreneurs, and, most importantly, pray. Prayer is the lifeline that keeps me going daily through thick and thin. Jesus Christ is my source. I am grateful that He daily loads me with benefits.
