Look for a deeper reason behind your struggles

Talk about an incident that brought tears to my eyes! I recently witnessed a story that was so sad, yet so beautiful, I couldn't fathom the depth of it. I was inspired beyond comprehension at what human beings can tolerate and still feel compassion for others in the same predicament.

A wrongly convicted prisoner was being interviewed about his life -- what happened, what he did -- and how he now felt and his attitude about the incident. He had been accused of rape. At the time, DNA testing was in its formative years, so crucial evidence was lacking. He was sent to prison by the testimony of a supposed eye-witness.

The convicted man knew he was innocent but he couldn't convince the jury. Nevertheless he continued attempting to prove his innocence. Finally, after DNA testing became more prevalent, the imprisoned man was cleared of the crime and another man accused. The other man, too, professed he had nothing to do with the crime, but DNA evidence proved otherwise.

During the interview, the innocent man could scarcely talk about the nine years of life he had lost in prison, wrongly convicted. However, after being released from prison, he resumed his former job and later came into a large sum of money. It enabled him to live in grand style. Regardless of his current fortunate situation, he has post-traumatic stress syndrome. Because of his prison experiences, he constantly looks over his shoulder to see who's stalking him. Was the ordeal worth the price?

One would think the man became bitter and vengeful. Quite to the contrary, he said, "I would do it all over again." Because of the acceptance of the DNA testing, he felt he had helped others who were in his predicament. Because of his ordeal, his home state became one of the first to allow DNA testing as evidence. The man now feels he continues to help others, like himself, who've been wrongly incarcerated.

Although it was difficult to watch the good man struggle to find words to describe how he felt, I held the upmost admiration at his attitude. From the beginning of his conviction, he never felt he could give up. His reward came later, knowing his dilemma helped other people.

I was noticeably touched, after I watched the true-life-drama, and I was again reminded of the goodness of people. How many would have assumed the attitude of the man who gave up nine years of his life -- then said he would go through it again if it would help others? He was truly an example of Jesus's statement, "Love your neighbor as yourself." Mark 12:31.

I thought of Jesus and the sacrifice He made to save God's people. He certainly had reason to hoard tons of anger at the suffering he endured Yet, He said, "Forgive them for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34. Although the prisoner's situation was different, being wrongly accused is one of the most difficult and insulting wrongs man can endure. Yet, Scripture says, "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly father will also forgive you." Matthew 6:14.

The ex-prisoner refused to allow his struggles to get the best of him. From the beginning of his having been falsely accused, he said, "I knew I couldn't give up, so I just kept on trying to do everything I could do." I don't recall his mentioning that he asked, "Why?"

Now that he's a free man, he sees what he perceives as the meaning behind the traumatic happening. If you take the time and open your eyes, ears and your heart, you, too, can find a reason for what's occurred. You may dislike confronting what's there, but rather than allowing your struggles to weigh you down, look upward -- toward God. He will give you the power to overcome whatever you must. Believe that "All things work together for good to them that love God." Romans 8:28.

Ellen Shuck holds degrees in psychology, religious education and spiritual direction. Her blog, "Chocolate for the Soul: Wisdom for Life" may be accessed at semissourian.com. She is the author of the book, "Wisdom for the Journey."