Struggling with Anger and Academics
Born into poverty on September 18, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan, Ben Carson faced immense challenges. Raised by his single mother, Sonya Carson, who had only a third-grade education, young Ben struggled academically and grappled with a violent temper. By fifth grade, he was labeled the 'dummy' of his class, and his anger nearly led him to a life-altering mistake when he almost stabbed a friend. At that moment, Carson locked himself in a bathroom, reflecting deeply on his actions. In his words, 'From somewhere deep inside my mind came a strong impression. Pray...Lord, You have to take this temper from me. If you don't, I'll never be free from it.' This prayer marked a turning point.
Prayer Changed My Anger and Life
Through faith and determination, Carson experienced a profound transformation. He gained control over his temper, which he attributes to God's intervention, describing it as a permanent change. His academic performance skyrocketed, taking him from the bottom of his class to the top. With a scholarship to Yale University, he graduated with honors in 1973, followed by an M.D. from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1977.
Faith in Medical Practice
Carson's career as a neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins University was marked by prayer and reliance on God's wisdom. He would often pray before surgeries, asking for divine guidance and wisdom, believing that 'God is the ultimate source of all wisdom.' His faith was integral to his medical practice, leading to internationally acclaimed achievements such as the first successful separation of conjoined twins joined at the back of the head in 1987—a 22-hour operation.
God Transformed Surgeon Career
Carson's story is a testament to how faith can transform lives and careers. He credits his success to God, saying, 'All the good things come from God. I can't really claim any of them.' His journey from a struggling youth to a world-renowned neurosurgeon illustrates the power of prayer and the impact of inviting God into every aspect of one's life.
