Life presents us with moments of total dismay and confusion. We seem left to struggle with no discernible way through the morass of cobwebbed darkness. We feel weak, and unable to cope. Once we identify our apparent helplessness, we grow even weaker, our sense of empowerment dissipates, and peril looms. We feel poured out like sewage. We become faint.

It is misleading to assume that these experiences in life are but "moments." It is a disservice to teach that there is always a silver lining. For some, that "silver lining" is suicide. It is misleading to suggest that given time, things will get better. Given time, things may just get worse, leading to oblivion.

Most of us -- not all -- encounter these terror-stricken circumstances. And, curiously, most of those who do, for no apparent design, survive them. Conceding the point that for some, things do not work out, for most, they do. If one is facing debilitating crisis, this is indeed encouraging news. Even though one, while yet in the throes of crisis, does not see and is incapable of accepting it, the "odds" of survivability are favorable.

Your own life is testimony to this. You may be well into your threescore and ten, and somehow, you are still alive and well. You have survived. Others have not.

What is the "key" to survival?

There are several:

1. Self-realization and examination. Ask yourself, "Am I on the right track? Is my intent in the right place? Are my motives appropriate?" It is necessary to be persuaded that you are headed in the right direction, and to be at peace with it.

2. Adaptability. Do you have the ability to change course, should that be necessary?

   I have a friend who is writing a book, "Winning by Quitting!" It's premise is that if you are digging yourself into a hole, and all your effort simply results in a deeper hole, then it is time you laid down your shovel, climb out of the hole, and do something else. That, in itself, is an accomplishment. That, in itself, is success.

   Make sure, however, that it is a hole you are digging, instead of just encountering another obstacle. Sometimes the difference between the two is subtle. Believe in yourself. Believe in your calling. Believe in your purpose -- provided it is not a hole.

   A Spiritual Caveat: There are those who suggest that if the going is not easy, if the difficulties seem insurmountable -- that God is closing, or has closed the door, and you should stop. This is most unlikely. If you are doing what you believe to be God's work, it would not be out of Divine character for God to make it difficult for you, for no other reason than to reveal your committment. Not to him. He already knows, but to you so you can have a measure of your own character. When I was doing semuinars and came to this point, I advocated that if you come up against what seems like a closed door, lay your shoulder into it and bash the damn thing down! (pardon my French)

3. Persistence and Discipline. When facing obstacles and resistance, which it is certain one will face, the essence of "character" will begin to assert itself. How determined, how committed, how driven are you? Michael Jordan, possibly the most successful basketball player who has ever lived, has a powerful take on persistence and discipline. Here it is: Click this link

4. Faith in God. A deep and abiding faith that God has touched you and is enabling you, is an eternal and inexhaustible resource of nourishment. "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me!" said the apostle. Faith and trust in God on this level, will itself, be the driving force that ensures accomplishment.

While these four "keys" maximize the realization of objectives, they do not guarantee it. Failing to reach one's objectives, does not mean "failure." It is impossible to exert energy -- be it fiscal, material, psychological or spiritual -- without producing something. Effort is never wasted, even if the only discernible product is an improvement in your own character. Such an investment will, at the very least, keep you from doing something destructive. Moreover, the journey itself, no matter how ineffective it may seem, is, in itself, a life lived. The journey itself, was and is worthwhile. When we feel "faint," is proof that we have expended ourselves.

If we have expended ourselves in the cause of good, whatever the result or however faint we feel, we have 'fought the good fight, we have stayed the course.' We have won.

-- PDM

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