A Work of Art



A Leper in Fiji followed the leading of his twisted hands.
He became an internationally known Artist.
"My sickness I see as a gift of God
leading me to my life's work," he said.
If it had not been for my sickness,
none of these things would have happened.


As a young girl, Jessamyn West had tuberculosis.
She was so sick
that she was sent away to die
During that time she developed
her skill as a writer and
authored numerous novels in her lifetime.

The great author Flanner O'Connor
suffered numerous ailments- lupus struck her at 25 and she
walked only with the aid of crutches

for the final fourteen years of her life.
She noted, however, that this illness narrowed her activities
in such a way that she had time for
the real work of her life,
which was writing.

Some people succeed in spite of handicaps.
Others succeed because of them.
The truth is...
our problems help to make us what we are.
Those who suffer often learn the value of compassion.
Those who struggle often learn perseverance.
And those who fall down often teach others
how to rise again.
Our troubles can shape us in ways
a care-free existence cannot.



A story is told of an Eastern village
which, through the centuries,
was known for its exquisitely beautiful pottery.
Especially striking were its urns;
high as tables, wide as chairs,
they were admired around the globe for
their strong form and delicate beauty.

Legend has it
that when each urn was apparently finished,
there was one final step.
The artist broke it- and then put it back together with gold filigree.
An ordinary urn was then transformed into a priceless
work of art.
What seemed finished wasn't... until it was broken.

So it is with people! Broken by hardships, disappointments and tragedy,
they can be either discarded or healed.
But when mended by a hand of infinite patience and love,
the finished product will be
A work of exquisite beauty-
a life which could only reach its completeness
after it was broken.
If you feel broken
remember...
you are a work of art!
And you may not actually be complete
until the pieces are reassembled and bonded
with a golden filigree of love.