Several people have found their life mission from personal struggles. When this happens, their struggles become a channel of blessing humanity. Joe Biden who served as vice president and later president of America was known for his stutters at young age. He worked hard to overcome stuttering and its associated stigma. Eventually, he became immense help to those who have similar struggle. He tries to let them know that stuttering has nothing to do with their intelligence quotient and they should not judge themselves by their speech. In a more direct approach to helping people with speech impediment, Biden actually wrote a personal letter to one Branden Brooks. “Remember what I told you about stuttering. You can beat it just like I did. When you do you will be a stronger man for having won.” The man went on to become an attorney.

It is uncharitable to turn people’s struggles to cruel jokes. Christianity calls us to receive hope that is in Jesus and offer same to others. Our mandate is to offer hope to people both in words and deeds.

Jesus once said that the children of this world sometimes proof wiser than the children of light. It is a shame when respect, understanding, and hope come from politicians and the people of the world rather than from professing believers. Shortly before I read of Biden, I had watched a video clip of two believers who are comedians performing in a church. Guess their line of jokes? Stuttering! People rolled over each other in church as they mimicked stutterers. It is uncharitable to turn people’s struggles to cruel jokes. Christianity calls us to receive hope that is in Jesus and offer same to others. Our mandate is to offer hope to people both in words and deeds.