Steps To Facing Suffering

Suffering can strike anyone at any time - an illness or accident, a separation or divorce, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job. No one would suggest that you should seek out suffering. And, no one would say that you should love suffering. In fact, suffering is not a being and, therefore, cannot be loved. ABOUT THE 5 STEPS SERIES: This series presents books that can help readers bridge gaps, build unity, and heal divisions. Its authors offer years of experience of putting into practice a lifestyle of Gospel-inspired unity and communion. They offer clear suggestions for how to approach and engage in topics of importance to 21st century Christians and anyone longing for a more united world. But, these five insights about suffering will help you consider the value of suffering in a new light. Guadagno shares stories of people who have lived through (or are still experiencing) suffering.
She offers their examples of how to take a spiritual reality and put it into practice in a transformative way by: (1) facing the challenging question of why we suffer; (2) recognizing the presence of Jesus in people who suffer; (3) remaining in the present moment; (4) aligning yourself with Jesus who also suffered; and (5) entering into the suffering with an awareness of what's on the other side. The wisdom of those who share their experiences here is a gift to anyone who wants to look at suffering with new eyes - in particular, with the eyes of a God who is Love and who chose to suffer precisely so that we could love one another more deeply.