Problems or Opportunities?

Once again I was reading a story with my children in the evening.  The moral of this particular story was that when faced with a problem, we can either:

1. Try to hide from it.
2. Try to fight it.
3. Look at it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

As a family, we discussed a few people that we have learned about that have been faced with problems in their lives, but have turned it into opportunities:

1. Louis Braille was terribly injured in the eye when he was three years old while playing around in his father's workshop.  An infection developed that spread to both eyes causing him to lose his vision.  Louis desired to read, but at the time, books for the blind were extremely large, expensive, and difficult to read.  After learning about a strategy for soldiers to read messages in the dark on the battlefield, Louis made some adjustments to the strategy and began transcribing books for the blind.  At 12 years, Louis was able to eliminate the problem of the blind being able to read more books, and turned it into an opportunity to learn and share with others.  (To learn more view "Young Heroes: Louis Braille-Youtube)
2. Carmen Rasmusen was a contestant on American Idol in 2003.  While on the show, Carmen was repeatedly faced with moral and spiritual challenges: media choices, alcohol, and modest dress.  However, with each challenge or problem, Carmen was able to turn the situation into an opportunity to stand up for her beliefs and share them with others.  She never had to compromise her standards. (To learn more listen to "Who's Your Idol?" by Carmen Rasmusen).
3.  Meg Johnson became a quadriplegic in 2004 when she accidentally jumped off a cliff in St. George, Utah (for real).  Meg is one of the most joyful people I have ever made contact with in my life.  She has used her accident as a tool to be a motivational speaker and creator of the Miss Utah Wheelchair pageant.  She is currently pregnant with her second daughter. (To learn more view megjohnsonspeaks.com).
4. Joseph of Egypt was sold into slavery by his own brothers.  He worked hard for Potiphar, was unjustly imprisoned, yet continued to press forward and serve others.  He ended up saving Egypt and his family from a great famine. Yes, he had help from God, but so can all of us. (To learn more read in the Holy Bible, Genesis chapters 37, 39-41)