Never Destroyed, Only Empowered

How is it possible for certain individuals to experience horrendous and extremely traumatizing situations, yet overcome them and not seem damaged by them, but somehow empowered because of them?

Why do some instead become entrapped and overrun by their circumstances?

Why can some people be both products of their circumstances and can still live a life of certainty despite the traumas?

Aren't we all damaged goods, having been hurt to some extent by others?

Haven't we lived through situations, events, occurrences and experiences which have troubled us to some degree and in some negative way?

Is it a strong genetic code which separates those who triumph from those who flounder?

Some scientists may have you believe this.

But I have known people whose life journey has been severe, yet they are quite the cognitive and at-peace individuals.

Some people have been forever scarred by witnessing certain atrocities, yet the scars do not cause them to cringe or have lifelong adversity.

Their scars have healed in making them a stronger person, not hardening their hearts, but softening the heart to the point it can withstand any future impact.

Why is this possible for some and not for others?

There are many factors, but one thing I've noticed is the propensity of the afflicted to persevere.

The victim desires to become victorious, and thus chooses to persevere.

What caused harm is not hidden away, but spoken freely.

What is intimidating is grappled with.

What is feared is confidently faced.

It is so important to talk about the past things which have harmed us.

Yet, the manner in which these events are expressed is important.

Blame placed on the victimizer only goes so far.

Accepting what has happened is also needed.

Acceptance is not justifying or misplacing blame.

Do troubles cause you to grow, mature and eventually triumph?

They should.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 

- James 1: 2-4