Allowing Pain To Heal Others

There was a recent interview with the Pastor and renowned author Rick Warren and his wife, where they candidly spoke about the loss of their son recently.  The circumstances surrounding this painful loss had to do with suicide and as difficult as that subject matter is, they proceeded to discuss their lifelong battle associated with their son's depression.  In the midst of such a tragic occurrence they saw an opportunity to be able help other people.  I found their interview to be not only poignant, it was also filled with a purpose to educate and teach others about mental health illness.  Although the pain of having survived something tragic can last a lifetime, each day that one is able to get through after that brings with it much hope and potential.  As with most difficulties, time can be the best ally, as it provides you with some distance that can allow one to look at things with a different perspective or view.  Think about the many things that you have survived through out your own life.  Although happy and joyful times can be what you would like to remember most about what has transpired to date, for many there are periods that can be tragic or filled with despair that may have taken years of healing to overcome.  If you happen to find yourself in a period that would be considered a trial by most, think about the potential that can occur when you allow your own moments of pain that can somehow be turned around to aid others.  Your empathy, sympathy and ability to help others in their most challenging moments, can become the catalyst for you to be able to release some of your own pain that can be used for good.  The lasting effects of an enduring situation in your life has the potential to continue to heal yourself along with others.  Allow yourself the opportunity to be the solution to someone else's problem.  What you will achieve in return will bring you more peace of mind along with knowing that from every dark cloud there is always the possibility of a silver lining.