Peace in the midst of torment.

Recent movies, such as "Unbroken," "Race," and "Still Alice" demonstrate people finding hope and peace despite their circumstances. There are as many stories about hardships as there are people, yet we can always find inspiration in them. Why do we look? It's an easy question to answer. We want to know that others have made it through terrible times and come out okay at the other end. Difficult times are hard enough, and adding the feeling of being totally alone in the experience makes it almost unbearable. Isn't it incredible how relieved you feel when you discover someone else has undergone the same trials?

There are many times we look for encouragement, and it's not always when times are tough. Maybe it's looking for a soul mate, or striving for business success, and perhaps those things are doing okay but not as well as you'd like. Whatever the cause, we want to know things will work out for the best. It's hideously difficult being the only one having a nasty time of life. Even if it's only a story, it's good to have company.

Yes, you can indeed find peace, no matter what's going on. But, peace is often hard won. The movies I mentioned are very difficult, and I'm sure you'll cry a lot watching them. Yet, they are true stories (even if they have been fictionalized). The old saying of, "It's all in your perspective," is a realistic viewpoint. Heroism isn't far removed from finding peace in your situation. It's in that moment when you decide you will survive or go in the ground. Life is worth the fight, and I bet we'll all agree that it's a whole lot better to live in peace.

- M