Finding Strength in Vulnerability: Look for Uncut Gemstones!

This winter, as I walked along the shore of a Croatian island with my brother, we searched for shells. I paused by a large rock that had a shiny yellow mineral on its surface. Using another stone, I attempted to extract pieces of the stunning crystal to keep. Without the proper tools, I could only collect a few small fragments using another rock. Did you know that the tough spots in your heart also contain valuable, uncut gemstones? You simply need to put in some effort to unearth them. If you've been mentioning that you need help with "heart issues" lately, today's blog post is for you.

Just as gemstones and gold are discovered in the earth or rock and require excavation, uncovering the hidden treasures within a person's heart involves breaking through tough layers. These raw gifts, like uncut gems, need the skill of a diamond cutter or a goldsmith to be refined and polished before they can shine in a necklace or diamond ring.

In my late 30s, one of my inspirations was Maya Angelou, an American writer and human rights activist who was raised by her remarkable grandmother. Maya was renowned for her distinctive and groundbreaking autobiographical writing style. At the age of seven, she briefly returned to her mother's care, where she was raped by her mother's boyfriend. After being jailed, he was killed upon release. Believing her disclosure of the trauma contributed to his death, Maya remained mute for six years. During this period of silence and into her teenage years, she lived again with her grandmother in Arkansas.

Angelou's passion for writing and the English language was apparent from an early age, as she wrote essays, poetry, and maintained a journal throughout her childhood. She finished high school at 15 and pursued studies in dance and drama while working various jobs, aiming for a stage career. In 1952, Maya was awarded a scholarship to study dance in New York and subsequently joined a European tour of “Porgy and Bess,” performing as Ruby. During this period, she also participated in Martin Luther King Jr.'s civil rights movement.

Maya Angelou wrote the first volume of her autobiography, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” which became a bestseller. She subsequently wrote four additional volumes about her life. Following her receipt of the Horatio Alger Award in 1992, Angelou wrote a children's book titled “Life Doesn't Frighten Me”. She also expanded her extensive poetry collection with works like “On the Pulse of Morning”, which she composed for and recited at the 1993 presidential inauguration in the United States.

Maya Angelou advised young people to stand up for themselves. "I not only have the right to stand up for myself, but I have the responsibility," she said. "I can't ask somebody else to stand up for me if I won't stand up for myself. Once you do that, you'd be surprised how many people say, 'Can I be of help?'"

Inspired by Angelou’s journey of overcoming her numerous life challenges, I began to explore my own complex heart issues through reading, writing, and praying in my late 30's. Through this journey, I have managed to overcome depression, although I continue to struggle with burnout and few other challenges. During this healing process, I have discovered some unrefined yet precious gifts. 

In my case, during the first year of dealing with heart issues, I discovered a gift for painting. In a different year, I discovered I had a gift for writing poetry. Yet another year, I had a knack for drawing. Last year, I discovered I had another gift I’m currently developing… I know, it all sounds a bit flaky, doesn’t it? Well, all of those gifts came in uncut forms, and if you ever saw an uncut diamond, you’ll understand that there is not much beauty in the mineral or diamond that has just been found, yet it holds value. A skilled diamond cutter transforms the mineral into a brilliantly shining diamond or crystal, suitable for crafting exquisite jewelry.

Likewise, what seems like a childish gift holds value that takes years, education, or the right mentorship to develop. And the one who gives us a gift, our heavenly Father, is the one who helps us develop it as well, if we choose to use it and cooperate with Him. And those who have and use those gifts know how valuable they are. They are truly gifts of God. 

Those gifts help process life's difficulties in order to create conditions for transformation and healing, as seen in Angelou’s case. Through use, they transform into tools that assist and inspire others to change, heal, or simply navigate a challenging day. And when we help others, no matter if it is one person or a few others, we find satisfaction and purpose.

Those who are skilled in helping others, with the right use of talents, to teach and impart the entrusted gifts to someone else, know that they not only enhance their own skill through it, but also receive blessings. In some cases, like Maya Angelou, their gifts continue to inspire generations after they are gone. 

What gift have you overlooked on your hard days? If you've been consistently using your valuable gift, maybe it's time to search within yourself for new treasures.

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” - Proverbs 11:25