Samuel was burned as a toddler, barely a year old, when hot water from the iron poured down the right side of his face. His bottom eyelid was damaged, and he still bears the scar of this childhood burn injury. Dealing with his injury was particularly challenging during his pre-teen years. His scar drew attention from his peers and at times he was teased and excluded from his peer group.
He has since learned to accept and find peace in his difference. Samuel comments that he has good days and bad days in terms of accepting his scar. His scar taught him that nobody is perfect and that we are all dealing with something painful in our lives. Some scars are just visible, and some are not. He takes deep pride in finding the courage to tell his story with the Scars Uncovered community, hoping that “it touches someone and [reminds them] there is life beyond the scars and trauma.”
We cannot undo the past. “Learn to Love yourself, Smile and know who your source of strength is from.” Samuel finds strength in this bible verse, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with My song I praise him. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.” Psalms 28:7-8. Samuel also finds comfort in knowing in spite of his burn injury “the Lord blessed him to still have perfect vision.” He continues to be strengthened in his spiritual journey and reminds us that “whatever you’re facing in life you’re not alone.
“I’m learning that no matter how big or small, we all have a testimony to share that can be the light of someone’s world and make them change forever.”
