UPFRONT September 25, 2006 Issue

Discouragement—not a given

PATRICIA KADICK, STAFF EDITOR

Said to be the devil's most worn and effective tool, discouragement feeds self-doubt, causing havoc in hearts and homes. Often catching one off-guard, this mesmerizing feeling is no laughing matter.

And yet, since experience is all about perspective, what's despairing to one person, another might easily laugh off. Not to say that we should ever take despair and hopelessness lightly. Rather, there is an effective way to break through, step by step, and take on a healthier, spiritual view.

To discourage literally means to deprive one of courage. My own response to this affront has actually compelled me to look more earnestly for light where I've felt only shadow; joy where there was just sadness. But trying to will away the darkness is ineffective. It takes something more.

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