"…. Only later did I realize that the very things they complained about were their greatest allies. Most people view pain as an enemy. Yet, as my leprosy patients prove, it forces us to pay attention to threats against our bodies. …. I noticed that the symptoms of illness my patients complained about were actually a display of bodily healing at work. Virtually every response of our bodies that we view with irritation or disgust--blister, callus, swelling, fever, sneeze, cough, vomiting, and especially pain-demonstrates a reflex towards health. In all these things normally considered enemies, we can find a reason to be grateful." -Dr. Paul Brand from Soul Survivor by Philip Yancey

What a challenging concept: to view pain as healing and to be grateful for it. I translate this quote to emotional pain more than physical. I recognize truth in this statement in that pain does signal the need for healing. Pain lets you know where you are hurt and where you need healing. Pain recently forced me to pay attention to threats against my emotional and spiritual well being in the area of death and loss of my Mom. I felt irritated and disgusted at the tears, anger, depression, fear, despair, agony, hopelessness, helplessness, and just plain missing her. I am glad that they are reflexes towards health. I do feel healthier already though not completely. I am glad that I did not shrink back or run away this time but faced and stared at this pain in the face. It seems much smaller now and I can even smile at it. It didn't swallow up my life after all.