Some of the most insightful thoughts come from my patients, especially during critical times. Their wisdom, profound spirituality, and personal stories impart priceless life lessons about resilience, hope, and perseverance.
Recently, one of my cardiac patients shared a striking reflection before his open-heart surgery: “It is going to get worse before it gets any better,” he stated. As difficult as it may sound, this realistic assessment became a powerful coping mechanism for the patient in the days to come, helping him navigate the challenges of recovery with hope and resilience.
Reflecting on his words, I was reminded of several biblical accounts where turmoil preceded calm, disorder gave way to order, and despair was transformed into hope.
These stories remind us that hardship often precedes transformation. Likewise, in our world today, many face struggles that test their strength and faith.
Lately, I notice an increasing sense of distress in the people I interact with. Some are gripped by fear of the unknown, while others struggle with confusion and uncertainty. Some resist change, unable to tolerate its discomfort, while others try to trust the process. News headlines bring hope to some, yet for others, they stir anxiety and fear. These days, analysts discuss the challenges of re-building after the Los Angeles fires. In connection with this, price gouging on rents and expected spike in home insurance premiums are deeply concerning. Additionally, new tariffs, government re-organization, domestic and foreign policy continue to dominate the news feed. Definitely, we live in turbulent times, witnessing conflicts, wars, natural disasters, and tragedies. With deep sorrow, we mourn the recent plane crash in Washington, D.C., which claimed 67 lives.
We know that life can be confusing, overwhelming, and chaotic: “It’s probably going to get worse before it gets any better.” Please know that no matter what your situation is and where you stand, I honor your feelings and experiences. I acknowledge the reality in which you live, without deflecting or sugarcoating it.
Being an optimistic person, I for one remain hopeful. My own coping mechanism is rooted in my faith in Divine Providence - God’s protection over creation and His intervention in our lives.
Just as He brought order to creation, receded the floodwaters, parted the Red Sea, restored Job, saved Jonah, calmed the storm, and conquered death, He will bring peace, comfort, and clarity to the confusion and chaos we face.
In a world filled with so much hurt, I realize that optimism does not come easily. Many feel hopeless, unable to identify coping resources during difficult times. People try to find a beam of light in the darkness. Yet, seeking meaning and purpose in faith and hope is far more sustaining than wandering in the darkness of despair.
Darkness is the absence of light. The two cannot coexist. Light is attained only by breaking through the darkness, emerging from its grasp into freedom. That is where life flourishes. That is where hope prevails.
No matter how dark your reality may seem, you are not alone in your suffering. Honor your feelings, acknowledge the difficulty, and cling to the lifeline of hope that can lead you from disorder to light, from despair to life. The breakthrough is possible. You can overcome the darkness. Light is within reach - embrace it and step into the life that awaits you.
