Behind every cloud of adversity, there’s a silver lining

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Hardship is often seen as evidence of failure and unworthiness – especially when others with equal chances seem more positive and self-fulfilled than you. It may result in sharpened feelings of personal abjection. Hurricane Melissa, obviously, may have increased existing hardship or even plunged others into new reaches of poverty.

But, is hardship really a sign of failure or of God’s disfavour? Or, is material prosperity a reflection of God’s blessings and approval? Jesus, the saviour of mankind, grew up in conditions where material prosperity was basically absent. His parents where just able to offer the cheapest sacrifice as the time for offering sacrifices came around – two turtle doves or two pigeons – the very basic. Yet, from that environment, light emerged to the world as the way that leads to everlasting life. However, no one welcomes personal hardship, especially if they cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel – where the immediate challenges seem unable to provide any reason for optimism. Still, such inconveniences are often invitations to let go of external and material crutches for a while and to discover in yourself your own trustworthy and internal faculty and capacity. According to psychology today, philosophers believed that

Self-imposed hardship can help to appreciate the things one can do without – which may also result in financial savings for the future. And this is true, even if the hardship comes from an uninvited hurricane. Adversity helps people to realise that simple things like bread and olive oil may be just as enjoyable and profitable as any great banquet. Hardship can help us to see that the greatest part of our suffering lies not in the fact but in our attitude towards it. It can help us to practise self-discipline and to empathise with other people’s misfortune, since he who feels it knows it. Resilience and self confidence are therefore fruits of hard times. Additionally, it contributes health benefits when your spending powers prohibit the consumption of expensive weight-increasing foods.

Thus, hardship is not always a negative plight. Just as a person will enjoy, a drink of cold water more the deeper his or hers thirst gets, or appreciates a meal better, the greater his or her hunger rises, premium happiness is the gift reserved for those who endure adversity more than the fortunate innocent traveller of life. For, behind every cloud of adversity, a silver line is waiting.

HOMER SYLVESTER

Jacksonville, Florida