How have suffering and hardship shaped you as a person?

Question

Are there any positive qualities that you've gained through having to suffer or have these experiences only caused negative results in your life?

Just so you know, I wasn't the one who gave the thumbs down.

Answer 1

when we had to pull together to make it through, it drew my wife and I much closer together.
we have also developed empathy for others that are going through the same thing.
It has also increased my faith, that no matter what I am going through God is always there, and will bring me through it.

Answer 2

I can honestly say, that I have been shaped completely by my sufferings and hardships. No, let me change that a bit, God has shaped me through sufferings and hardships. I suffer from a chronic disease that causes pain 24/7- for all but 11 years of my 49. It could very well have ruined my life, however through the grace of God, He has taught me many things. And the one that I will share now is this- I would not be the same person I am today if i was not struggling with this pain. What I mean is , I would not have a closeness that I have with the living God, and I would not be able to experience His grace, and His love and be able to reach out to others in pain. Granted, there are days, I continue to pray that He will heal me, however without the pain, I do not think I would be used of God as much- and that is the greatest desire of my life.

EDIT- you can give me all the thumbs down that you want, because that does not change the fact of how God is using my pain- but I don't understand just because you do not believe what I believe, you would actually give me a thumbs down. I was not rude was I?

Answer 3

What has shaped my life is my mother's hardship. Shortly after the birth of my eldest sister, my mom contracted polio.

Over time she recovered about 75% of her mobility. She always needed assistance in certain situations. When I was young, she always used a cane and had an odd sort of limp.

One Sunday morning on our way to chruch, when my dad was at work, mom fell down a flight of stairs while I was at the bottom and could do nothing but watch.She recovered, though, never fully.

Through high school and on to college, mom became less and less mobile. Going from cane to walker and finally to powered wheel chair.

In her last few years she weighted less than 100 pounds. Her mind, though, was all there.

By no means am I suggesting we have a pity party for me, or my mother.

Despite the years of a failing outer, physical body, she had a heart of a lioness. Steadfast in her love for her family and her convictions. Opinionated, but compassionate.

Nothing proved this out more than the night she was robbed and sexually assulted in her home. Somehow she overcame that night... and I think came out stronger. She handled it a lot better than I did!

I hope that some small part of her strength has come to me. It would indeed be one of God's greatest blessings to me.

peace

Answer 4

Oh very much so although probably not enough. I find I can identify with many people and many problems. I would not be able to care or feel as deeply about this things had I not endured what I have. God has been good to me and through all things in my life I have learned but nothing has taught me as much as the trials I have experienced.
Peace Be With You,
Debra

Answer 5

Emotional scarring through severe suffering isn't of any real value in my opinion. Sure it might make your resolve stronger... but that is mute compensation.

Hardship.... is a relative concept. For example, I missed my pedicure appointment yesterday and now I have anxiety because my toenails are a little over grown. Oh the misery!

Answer 6

My hardships and suffering have taught me to live a life of love, respecting others, no one is better than anyone else. Also taught me to look out for myself first before you can help someone else. Because when I fall I can't be there for others. I have learned how to forgive people for harming me. Among other things...would be TMI.

Answer 7

He who has not looked on Sorrow will never see Joy. Harships and difficulties must have taught be to bear and to be patient. Learned the lessons of life and to always look at people who are lower in grade. When I am afflicted with something, I remember the millions of mass around the world who are suffering and in pain. In comparison, I am a king who is blessed with much things of life. It is all with God's tremendous mercy and love that shapes His slave to be better by lessons of life. To Allah is all praise.

Answer 8

Yes...God has used all of my terrible mistakes in life for the further purpose of his kingdom. I have learned that through my mistakes, God uses me to reach those that might otherwise be unreachable. I've been there, and God delivered me. I'm living proof. Thank you God for the suffering, even if all it means is that You can reach one person who might not have heard you if it had not been for my suffering.

Answer 9

Positive. I've been down very hard a couple of times. i no longer sweat the small stuff.

i see people get mad over the most worthless stuff, and in a way my rocky past helps with perspective.

Answer 10

Sure, to take nothing for granted, to appreciate life and to learn as much as I can.

And, what Barbie said, though I still counterpunch with the sting of a rattlesnake if someone is aggressive or insulting to those close to me.

Answer 11

Yes, it changed me, it made me more understanding, less judge-mental and way more compassionate. Learning through experience is a great way to learn even if the experience isn't good.