Hope

I have been thinking about religion a lot lately and how it affects our outlook on life. Does someone with strong religious background endure hardships better than those who do not believe in God? It probably has something to do with the Christmas season. Most likely it is because I’m reading “Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption” by Laura Hillenbrand.

In this true story, Three men are in the middle of the ocean. They are in a rubber raft with very little to keep them alive. They were in this raft for 46 days before being captured by the Japanese. The names of the three men were Phil, Mac, and Louie. Phil and Louie survived the time in the raft but Mac did not.

Phil relied on his religious background that was taught to him by his parents. Louie was rebellious as a child and though out his teen years. He relied on his determination and wits and during the ordeal starts to pray to God. Mac just saw the situation as hopeless.

“Though they both knew that they were in an extremely serious situation, both had the ability to warn fear away from their thoughts, focusing instead on how to survive and reassuring themselves that things would work out. It remains a mystery why these three young men, veterans of the same training and the same crash, differed so radically in their perceptions of their plight……Though all three men faced the same hardships, their differing perceptions of it appeared to be shaping their fates. Louie and Phil’s hope displaced their fear and inspired them to work toward their survival and each success renewed their physical and emotional vigor. Macy’s resignation seemed to paralyze him.”

These men were in a terrible situation. It is amazing to me how the one taught religion was hopeful. It is even more amazing how the one who relied on himself started praying to God and even believed that God sent angels singing beautiful music developed a faith and hope.

Romans 5:3-5 “….but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us,”

– Posted using BlogPress from my iPad