My most noticeable physical feature is my smile. Prior to the pandemic and wearing masks, it was the attribute that I received the most compliments. I’d flash it to appease a difficult situation or to catch the eye of a handsome stranger. It was like having a superpower. Even now months into concealing it, I’ll flash my smile only to remember that the other person can’t see it. Not many people know that I wasn’t born with this smile. It came after years of intense pain. I’ll share some of the story here.
Growing up, I was self-conscious about two things, one being my smile. My gums were dark instead of the usual vibrant pink. Several teeth were misaligned and a single canine was turned completely sideways. Apparently, the adult tooth was unable to descend tilting the baby canine. During my seventh grade year, my parents sent me to an orthodontist to get braces. For a middle schooler, I’m not sure what was worse, having braces or a crooked smile. The pre-teen embarrassment of braces served as a single part of the arduous journey to my current smile. I had to undergo minor surgery to remove the aforementioned stubborn canine. A button was placed on the adult tooth with a small chain hanging from it. Braces were then placed on my other teeth. Each month I’d get my braces tightened and the little chained was yanked by a heavy handed dental assistant. As she pulled on the chain, the adult tooth was slowly guided down into its respective spot. Needlessly to say, it hurt…a lot! In addition to my special case, I endured the typical hardships of braces. There was a host of foods that I couldn’t eat such as candy, gum, carrots, and popcorn. Being a pre-teen, I attempted to eat some of them only to discover the discomfort of picking them out of my braces. There was the ulcers and cuts on my lips and gums. Also, headaches followed the routine tightening and cleanings. To my dismay, three years turned into almost four. Finally, the day came for their removal. I couldn’t believe the transformation as I ran my tongue over smooth, straight teeth. Every year of pain was worth the beautiful smile displayed before me.
How many of us have experienced difficult seasons? Maybe it was moments of intense pain or disappointment? Maybe you feel like you’re in an unending night or wandering through a dry wilderness? While you’re in this season, it can be hard to see a way out. But we can take comfort in knowing that God is working behind the scenes. He will exchange beauty for ashes and joy for mourning. It is heat and pressure that creates diamonds. After the intense process, they brilliantly shine forth. May I encourage you to keep believing despite what maybe happening to you. Believe that this too shall pass. Trust that God has better in store for you. Know that the pressure will make you stronger and the heat is burning out all that is not Christ like. The test will become your testimony. God is making all things beautiful in time.
Be encouraged! :)
Written By: Christa Martina
FB Page: See Martina Write
Scripture References: Romans 8:28 (NLT) “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Psalms 30:5 (NLT) “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
Ecclesiastes 3:11a (AMPC) “He has made everything beautiful in its time…”
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