Continued reading after my conversation with Dr. MacAfee: Dr. MacAfee recommended reading, “Trauma, Addiction and Spirituality,” by Robert Grant, Ph.D. In fact, he mailed it to me. Dr. Grant writes, “I’m interested in authentic suffering. I don’t try to take it away from people. It’s often the only thing powerful enough to keep them on the journey of transformation.”
What does one learn from trauma?: Dr. Grant continues, “One thing (we learn), and this is something that addicts know from their substance abuse support groups, is that we are not in complete control of our lives. We are limited and finite. Secondly, there are no guarantees in life. This is in spite of how hard one works…Things can go wrong. (Thirdly), there is no security in an absolute sense….everything can be taken away in an instant. I believe in the power of redemptive or legitimate suffering.”
Today’s thought to consider: Dr. Grant offers, “There are only two things that matter: the care and love of other people, and a connection to ‘something greater than ourselves.’”
Yes, everything CAN be taken away in an instant. Nothing should be taken for granted. I believe in the power of legitimate suffering. It can transform us in ways we never thought possible.
I also appreciate what Dr. Grant said “there are only two things that matter: the care and love of other people”. It’s that caring, compassion that connects us to something greater than ourselves.
God’s blessings to all of you.
With love,
Barbara
I read this passage over and over…very powerful, on point and actually helped me realized that much of my suffering is related to shattered dreams…for my son, my family, for life. With that being said, I remain eternally grateful for the care and love of other people and my connection to a power MUCH greater than myself.
Libby,you have given all of us this precious gift of no longer suffering in silence.
God bless…Nanci
Dear Barbara, You are right that caring and compassion connect us to something greater than ourselves. What an interesting thought for me. Compassion helps us to find the something greater. Amazing to me that it is the suffering that connects us in ways that are more powerful than joy. Another thing to think about :). My love to you and blessings during this Easter season.
Dear Nanci, Shattered dreams. You are so right. Addiction shatters our dreams of what we wanted for our families, our children and for ourselves. Isolation is what addiction wants. It wants to cower us into a dark corner where we hide. As MacAfee says, “Only by taking addiction out of the shadows and into the light can it be healed.” Love to you!!!
God bless us all. Buona Pasqua! (Happy Easter!)
Happy Easter! Easter is light and joy!
Happy Easter, Paula! Happy Easter to all.