When I am asked why I didn't refer to myself as a "survivor" in my book SPIRIT UNBROKEN which is about my own abusive childhood, the answer came easily to me. I believe that saying you are a "survivor" of any test or challenge in life is indicative that you are still living in its shadow. In addition, someone might even be using "survivor-ship" from the test/challenge as an excuse for his/her present life's situations and behavior. I see it over and over and it saddens me. From the moment our individual tests and challenges cease...and they always do or we no longer inhabit God's earth, we are not "survivors' but rather "livers." We might view our new life by being stronger, wiser, and more complete in our journey of perfecting ourselves here on Earth.
If you have been through something negative...be it a life threatening illness or challenge for yourself or family member, possible marital disillusionment, hurt, and betrayal... that might ultimately lead to a divorce, a deployment in one of America's Wars... that follows with a physical or emotional challenge, a loveless childhood/adulthood... that is riddled by abuse...when it ends, and it will, you must resume living with a renewed vigor. To claim you have "survived" something is indication that the test/challenge still is very much present in your head and heart. It's all in positive attitude and the honest acceptance that Life, as given, is not supposed to be easy. We "survive" only that we may live. Sue
