Past pain can be a platform to empower others (Willie Hampton) | S1E9

“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).