Everyone Suffers

Beba SchlottmannOther Writings, Uncategorized 1 Comment

“You will suffer, son of Hades!’
What else is new? Nico thought.”
― Rick Riordan, The Blood of Olympus


Let me just begin by saying that Suffering is not a phenomenon that, like a virus, affects some people and not others. The truth is suffering will find us all. It is part of life, and no one is exempt from it. I thought suffering -for a righteous person-was temporary and always came with a happy ending. However, five years after experiencing two heart attacks, a triple bypass, and a number of procedures and hospitalizations too long to go into detail, I have come to the realization that suffering is simply part of life. Psalm 119:50 (NIV) says, ” My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”


In my soon to be released book, “Chasing Life; Lessons on Suffering Well”, I make reference to this fact. I talk in length about suffering as part of life. Instead of complaining and asking, “why me?” We should look for ways to allow our suffering to be the catalyst for productivity and positivity. Let suffering help you better understand God, yourself, and others who suffer. Why not use your grief as fuel to offer hope.


In his book, “A Grief Observed,” C.S. Lewis talks about pain and suffering in a way many of us can relate to; “We were promised sufferings. They were part of the program. We were even told, ‘Blessed are they that mourn,’ and I accept it. I’ve got nothing that I hadn’t bargained for. Of course it is different when the thing happens to oneself, not to others, and in reality, not imagination.”


When suffering comes to you, remember to look to positivity instead of negativity. Look for hope, instead of despair. Most of all, lift your head high and listen. There are valuable lessons to be learned in our season of grief. Allow God to whisper wisdom and courage in your journey -however long it may be.

Comments 1

  1. I cant wait to ti your book. I know it will change the way i see suffering as a way of life. It couldnt have come in a perfect time. Bin such a time as this 2020 a time of suffering.

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