Past pain can be a platform to empower others (Willie Hampton)
Jun 29, 2020
“Hamp,” as everyone calls him, is a magnet. With 8 years of
military service, 25 years in civiil service, and now leadership at
the local DAV chapter (Disabled American Veterans), people are
drawn to for life + hope + encouragement.
But he hasn’t always felt like that. (And, he’ll tell you,
sometimes he still doesn’t feel that way.)
In this episode of the Warrior Hope podcast we go way back to
Hamp’s days on the submarine, talk ab out his time as a Navy police
officer, and reflect on the scars of service that were
invisible…
… the hurts that no one sees.
He reflects back on his day’s time in Vietman, wondering if
perhaps he had the same struggles.
At some point, I asked Hamp, “How did you know something was
wrong? If it wasn’t a physical injury, how did you know…?”
He explains it in this talk. And, he describes how he not only
found hope + healing through some relationships at the local VA,
but how he determined to turn around and help others— encouraging
them with the same help he received.
Now, Hamp leads the local chapter of the DAV, specializing in
helping veterans who were either injured in active duty OR have an
injury that was aggravated because of active duty receive their
benefits.
On Tuesdays, they navigate veterans through the pile of
paperwork required to receive benefits. On Thursdays, they function
more like “family,” and on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays they run a food
pantry.
Listen in.
And pay attention as Hamp talks about the notion that many
wounds— some of the deepest ones— aren’t seen on the surface of our
skin. They mark our souls.
Then, notice…
… the pain in your past may very well become the platform you
use to propel others towards hope + healing, too.
Paul explained it like this, “He comforts us in all our troubles
so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be
able to give them the same comfort God has given us” (2 Corinthians
1:4 NLT).
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More info at https://www.WarriorHope.com/blog/09
