We heal others out of our own brokenness.  We comfort others with the comfort God has given us in our trials.  We give grace out of our own wounds.  Our weaknesses, failures, and handicaps do not excuse us from ministry, but make a way for it; this keeps us from ever being victims.  Keep thinking and talking about all the bad things that have happened to you, and you will paralyze growth and dwell in the lowlands of sadness and self-pity.  Minister out of those same hurts, without complaint, and you will come to live in a higher and happier dimension.  

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”  2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV)

From “Build On The Rock”, by H. Lamar Smith