“There is nothing in the world, I venture to say, that would so effectively help one to survive even the worst conditions, as the knowledge that there is a meaning in one’s life.” That observation by Viktor E. Frankl, a neurologist and Holocaust survivor is apropos to victims of long term injustice, such as directed energy weapons torture and gang-stalking. In 1942, Dr. Frankl along with his wife and his parents were deported to the Theresienstadt concentration camp by the Nazi regime. Though assigned to ordinary labor details until the last few weeks of the war, Frankl tried to cure fellow prisoners from despondency and prevent suicide. He worked in the psychiatric care ward, headed a neurological clinic, and maintained a camp service of psychic hygiene and mental care for those who were weary of life. Although suffering the miseries of Nazi oppression himself, his efforts to help others gave meaning and purpose to his life.

“We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” Can you see how Frankl’s conclusion can help victims of long-term injustice? Even when adversity continues for years, we can choose our attitude, our response to that hardship.

What attitude should we choose in response to suffering? Dr. Frankl observed that those who became obsessed with retaliation against their abusers were often overcome by bitterness and disillusionment that continued long after they were released from the concentration camps. Such attitudes were most likely to destroy good mental health. However, those who maintained dignity in their view and treatment of others and a strong spirituality were best able to adjust to horrific suffering and maintain sound mental health. One of Frankl’s favorite quotes is the Biblical expression “. . . love is as strong as death is.” —Song of Solomon 8:6. The capacity to love our fellowman can survive any hardship or suffering. When we refuse to abandon love, by not adopting the hatred and cruelty of our oppressors, we retain our humanity and protect our mental health. Such excelling love is a byproduct of a healthy spirituality.

Can we benefit from suffering? The Bible says that Jesus Christ “learned obedience from the things he suffered” —Hebrews 5:8. What Jesus suffered when on earth refined his qualities of love, empathy and compassion while facing cruelty, injustice and wrongful death. Our noblest qualities can also be refined if we view and endure suffering with the right attitude.

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