Shackled by Adversity, Sustained by Grace

This book speaks to the daily realities of anyone -regardless of race, color, origin, culture,belief, social strata, and gender- anyone who dares call him/herself human . The thoughtprovokingquestion here is, what does one do when the nightfall lingers with no daybreakin sight; when stubborn affl iction becomes his/her fl anking companion, day in and dayout? I truly believe in the redemptive and mystical power of suff ering. It is, in essence, thatinner agony, which has not only inspired this book, but also personifi ed the invisible andexcruciating pain, by giving it a face which can be seen and touched, a voice which can beheard, and an emotion which can be felt. Exposure to trials of all kinds, which one endureswith steadfast courage, produces, at the end, resiliency and strong character. Walsh (2006)stated Resiliency can be defi ned as the capacity to rebound from adversity strengthened andmore resourceful. It is an active process of endurance, self-righting, and growth in responseto crisis and challenge . Resilient people demonstrate an uncommon ability to manage positively common life sdaily transactions. They exhibit exemplary courage and determination when confronted withtraumatic events such as death, divorce, life-threatening illness, disaster, social injustice,racism and discrimination, etc. One s belief plays a crucial role in the manner, which he/sheapproaches life s stressful demands, daily responsibilities, and ongoing challenges.