"He who is slow to anger has great understanding but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly" (Proverbs 14:29).

When he led the Neuro surgical team that performed the first separation of Siamese twins born with a conjoined brain the world got curious about Dr Ben Carson. In his biography, "Gifted Hands" it was revealed that as a young black man growing up with an absent father he had a terrible temper.

Once he tried to stab a "close relative" in the stomach and was unsuccessful only because his knife was blocked by a large belt buckle. In another incident his brother forcefully restrained him when he attacked his mother with a hammer during an argument over clothing. Later he threw a rock at a boy's face, breaking his glasses and lacerating his nose with blood.

After one fight, "I realized that a temper like that was going to land me in jail, reform school or the grave "he would later share. Fortunately his life was turned around after he received Jesus Christ as a personal saviour. He then started reading the Bible. He read the Book of proverbs where he noted several passages: "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city" ( Proverbs 16:32). Then also "A man of quick temper acts foolishly, but a man of discretion is patient" (Proverbs 14:17).

Carson got convicted, repented and in place of anger came a passion to improve his life. He would later go on to win a scholarship to the prestigious Yale university and at the age of 33 become Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins University, before going on to perform ground breaking brain surgeries. Most recently, he was a member of cabinet in the Administration of President Donald Trump.

Anger is a damaging stronghold that binds many lives down. For Carson a lot had to do with his poverty stricken childhood deprived of a father. The beauty about this is that an angry spirit can be overcome. This comes after a realisation, acceptance and surrendering all to Jesus!

Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, there are many binding strongholds, including anger, which I surrender to you that you free me of that controlling spirit to live a joyful, abundant and fulfilled life, this I pray in Jesus' name.