{"id":2460,"date":"2011-05-13T18:53:45","date_gmt":"2011-05-13T18:53:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.planetofsuccess.com\/blog\/?p=2460"},"modified":"2020-02-10T16:36:13","modified_gmt":"2020-02-10T16:36:13","slug":"spiritual-lessons-adversity-teaches-us","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.planetofsuccess.com\/blog\/spiritual-lessons-adversity-teaches-us\/","title":{"rendered":"Spiritual Lessons Adversity Teaches Us"},"content":{"rendered":"

More than one F4 tornado descended on a number of cities in Alabama last month leaving in their wake death, injuries and the complete loss of buildings, homes, cars and trucks. Power lines, transformers, and poles lay tangled in grotesque heaps intertwined with clay bound roots of toppled trees; nature\u2019s once verdant landscape resembling a war torn battlefield. <\/span>Such utter devastation boggles the mind. Countless thousands of people have been left to bury their dead, pray for the injured and pick through rubble to try and find even the smallest memento of a life remembered before April 27, 2011. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Someone finding a crumpled photograph amidst the debris, clutches this treasured keepsake, more precious than gold, as tears of thanksgiving run down his face. When we think about adversity most of us cannot relate on such a profound level. Yet, these brave souls who have no idea whatsoever about tomorrow\u2019s future have gathered in the crushed bricks and broken foundations of their former houses of worship to pray. They thank God for lives spared and ask for strength to carry on.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adversity Teaches Humility:<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Adversity teaches us that we\u2019re human. We are not in control. We can\u2019t do everything ourselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Years of academic achievement, careful investments, and hard work become insignificant and meaningless in the face of nature\u2019s fury. Suddenly those fortunate enough to have lived through the terror descending from the sky are equal in status and rank to their poverty stricken, uneducated brothers and sisters.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nature didn\u2019t pick and choose to single out anyone as more deserving based on class, education or wealth. Her wrath was swift and unmerciful irrespective of race, color or creed. The mangled Mercedes and 20 year old Chevy pickup, as well as the Tudor brick mansion and ramshackle mobile home, have equal value when leveled by a tornado.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adversity teaches that beneath the trappings of the fa\u00e7ade we wear, we are all kindred in spirit. We all suffer, we all cry, we all hope, we all must reach out to others for support and strength.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Adversity Teaches Perseverance:<\/span><\/h3>\n

Adversity teaches us that we have two choices and no others. We can give up or we can push on. At times like this, there are not a lot of decisions to make. Life has been reduced to the elemental choice of living or dying.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

In the wake of such dire circumstances, we may not have any idea where we\u2019re going, what tomorrow will bring. We only know that if we push through today, we\u2019ll get to tomorrow and so it will be as each day follows the next.<\/span><\/p>\n

Options about where to eat, what kind of car to buy, where to shop are off the board. It is through the kind hearts and generosity of volunteer strangers that food, shelter, and clothing are provided. But those humbled by adversity learn to be grateful for the kindness of strangers and find renewed strength to cope, endure and persevere.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adversity\u2019s Spiritual Lessons for All:<\/span><\/h3>\n

Adversity teaches all of us, whether victims, volunteers or witnesses that we aren\u2019t as invincible as we may think we are, we aren\u2019t in control all the time but in unexpected ways, we are stronger than we may have ever realized.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n