“Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them” (Ps. 139: 16).
Abuse survivors have not always experienced life at its best. But life remains a priceless gift. We must cherish it.
Mother Teresa (standing all of 4’11” and weighing less than 100 lbs) worked among the poorest of the poor in India. Yet she maintained a positive view of life. The poem below is by her.
“Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.”
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ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse 
A beautiful and poignant poem, Anna.
Yes, and a challenge to all us.
I think it acceptance of life.No chance of escaping from it.Beautiful teaching.Mother Taresa had proved it.In totality ,all the activities which is devoted to the helping of human kind
Is just like true worship of God.
I love how you chose Mother Teresa as an example.. I believe life with all it’s hardships is best lived knowing God..
I remember learning as a young child that we are here to know, love, and serve God. Life has taught me how very true that is. ❤
Even in days of suffering, there is good that we can do.
So true, Chris.
I too live by Mother Theresa’s words… Best words of comfort and strength.
Yes, she was very wise.
I have come a little late to this post to comment, dear Anna, but I fully intended to comment when I first read it back in September. But as they say: ‘Better late, than never’.
On the morning when I read this I had been thinking about my own life experiences and I literally woke with the words in my mind: ‘ …but that has not been my life experience’. So imagine my deep surprise when I read your opening paragraph:
“Abuse survivors have not always experienced life at its best. But life remains a priceless gift. We must cherish it.”
Need I say more?
Dear friend, you speak from a loving place, inspired by God – may your voice and the words you speak always continue to resonate with those who read them.
My dear friend, it is the greatest privilege to be of some small service to those like you who have suffered from abuse. I wish I had the ability to ease pain, and erase scars with a wave of my hand. But the God we love has the power to uphold us through even the most severe of trials. May He always be with you. ❤
❤❤