As Christians, we are familiar with a world view which simply states; we are “in” the world, not “of” it. Can we apply a similar concept to our present-day sufferings and the life events which have wounded us? What would this look like?

Could we contrast our sufferings as being free “of” them or free “from” them? If we have made creditable observations, then one conclusion would be that it makes sense to say; I am free “of” them. That those events from the past and today’s worries do not define me.  I have recognized the impact the past has had on my life, as well as the time and calories I am burning to deal with today’s troubles. I am free “of” them, but not free “from” them. If this is a viable conclusion and I think it is; then the next step would be to realize I never would want to be free “from” them. In part, who I am is a product of how well I navigated those troubled waters. My achievements then and now are in some respects a testimony of how well I managed my life, the good and wrongful decisions which were made at the time and the benefits I enjoy today because of those experiences.