Small Miracles

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. -- James 3:13

Sarah de Lagarde was on her way home from work one evening in September 2022 when she got off at the wrong London Underground station and fell into the gap between the platform and the train. Her right arm was crushed above the elbow and her right leg was crushed below the knee, leading to double amputations. This week, however, Sarah was fitted with an AI bionic arm that is miraculously giving her back her freedom.

"This is straight out of science fiction," she said. "The technology is absolutely incredible."

According to Kate Sizer, a physiotherapist at Dorset Orthopedic in Chesham, England, "The top section is customized to fit around what's left of Sarah's arm, with electrodes there recording the unique patterns of movement that then talk to a little computer inside the forearm, that then -- through AI -- builds data and records these movements to tell the arm what to do."

"It's magic," Sarah laughed, adding that she is excited to get home and hug her kids for the first time in nearly a year.

As many of us bemoan the advancements of AI (artificial intelligence), fearing a future where unchecked machines could rule humanity, have we stopped to celebrate the small miracles? Thanks to machine learning, Sarah de Lagarde has a new hope-filled path forward. In the manufacturing world, AI can also be used for dull, repetitive tasks such as welding or fabricating parts, freeing humans up for more advanced and creative work.

Too often our fears prevent us from looking beyond what we imagine will be negatives. Where might God be working in your life that you have not yet celebrated as something new and miraculous?

God bless,

Jennie