When confronted with intense and prolonged suffering, be it physical or emotional, the desire for cessation can become overwhelming, potentially leading to thoughts of ending one’s life.
Yet, despite this desire, our true Self is indestructible. While we can end the life of the physical body, our consciousness remains inviolable. We would transition to a bodiless existence, still fully conscious within another dimensional reality.
The soul, in its wisdom and for its own purposes, sets the stage for experiences that may include suffering. Yet, as we live our life, we may have no choice other than to surrender to what has been placed in our path, while understanding that our soul’s purposes can be left unknown.
Often, those who leave an indelible mark on history, “larger than life” figures, are called upon to bear immense burdens. When reflecting on this, the figure of Abraham Lincoln immediately comes to mind. He steered the United States through its most profound internal conflict, second only to the Revolutionary War. The nation, founded with the inherent contradiction of slavery, had long relied on compromises that perpetuated this moral failing. Lincoln, however, understood that further compromises would only prolong the injustice.
In the end a bloody civil war had to be faced and endured to finally abolish slavery. Lincoln lived with the constant horror of the conflict, undoubtedly grappling with the agonizing question of whether a different path could have averted such immense loss of life.
Another figure who embodies profound suffering is Jesus. His gruesome crucifixion raises questions about its purpose. Many interpretations exist beyond the traditional view of atonement for sins. Perhaps his death was a catalyst for the dissemination of his revolutionary message among humanity, ensuring its reach and impact across generations. What we do know is that there was a purpose in the suffering that he endured.
