The Spirituality Of Suffering
“Living as we do in a world that suffers so much, two opposing possibilities can easily tempt us: either to turn our backs and live oblivious to the pain or to allow the pain to overwhelm us and despair to take up residence in our hearts. The truly faithful option is to face the pain and live joyfully in the midst of it. Those who suffer most remind us of how tragic and arrogant it would be for us to lose hope on behalf of people who have not lost theirs. They are teachers of joy.”
Joyce Hollyday
January 1st, 2008 at 3:29 pm
This quote from Joyce Hollyday is especially meaningful to me because I’ve been in the place of turning my back on suffering and also being overwhelmed by it, both in my own life and in the lives of others.
So I’ve been seeking the way that seems to be more courageous, the way of entering into the suffering with people without always trying to fix it. I have found that there is a path into this way of living that is Holy. I do not mean to elevate suffering to a state of holiness, but to look for the path that allows me to enter into it and see more aspects of suffering that may embrace me and bring me sparks of joy.
I am friends with an African refugee woman who is a victim of torture. She wanted to die at one point because she did not see any reason for going on living. But God told her she was not to die. Now she is slowly getting her life and her health back. She does not know where the next step will take her. But her faith in life strengthens my own faith and her willingness to take the next step inspires me. Oh, and she makes a mean white bean curry soup and now dances the tango like a pro–sparks of joy. She has lots of hurdles to still overcome but our friendship helps both of us see that it is worth it to take the next steps.
Do any of you have stories of how suffering, well attended, has brought you hope or joy?
Janet
January 1st, 2008 at 4:11 pm
What a great story Janet. Thank you for sharing it. I think it very well illustrates the point. I appreciate your depth and your distinction that suffering itself is not holy. But, it can lead one to holiness if one opens oneself to it.