From The Depths, I Called On You My Lord
Do we need to hit rock bottom?
W.G.H
On October 7th, quite a few secular people found themselves reciting “Shema Israel”, or just a personal prayer. This is not a knock on these people, God forbid. They recognized the dire straights they were in, and something fundamental awoke in them. A realization that there are things, beyond human’s reach. Similar experience was reported by some of the hostages who came back. From within the isolation, fear and distress, came a prayer, or in other words, a reckoning. A recognition of God.
In a recent episode of the Triggernometry podcast (which you should be listening to, if you’re not already), Konstantin Kisin expressed a sentiment that I’d like to explore. He said that he’s almost optimistic now. The reason being that, he thinks things will get so bad, they can’t not change.
Sad but true
This may sound like a nice quip, that was timed perfectly within the conversation. Coming from Kisin, who’s also a comedian, that jives. But beyond the seemingly light hearted, superficial comment, lies a profound truth.
As I believe Kisin mentions himself, this is a bit like addicts hitting rock bottom. It is extremely difficult to kick a bad habit, if you don’t suffer meaningful and threatening consequences. If you’re a “functioning alcoholic” and the worst consequence you face, is an occasional frown from someone, you may not be motivated enough to stop drinking. If you’re taking drugs, and are not acutely aware of the danger your life may be in right this moment, you’re very likely to find another excuse to continue down that harmful path.
Only when life manifests consequences that stops you in your tracks, do you even stand the chance. Even then, it may be very difficult. That is why there are support groups, and therapy, and rehab facilities. That’s why there are programs, the most notable of which is the 12 steps program.
Another example may be simpler. People like me, who are scared of dentists. We procrastinate, neglect and avoid a checkup or treatment until the pain is unbearable. Then, we must face the difficulty of making a change.
Changing in a fundamental or meaningful way, requires us to recognize reality. When we’re capable of lying to ourselves, we run the risk of ignoring it altogether. But when life proverbially slaps us in the face, with the harshness of our situation - Then, and only then we can hope to improve.
The advantage of light is observed only against darkness
That is why, I totally get Konstantin’s take, and his optimism. Yes, there are plenty of reasons to fear that, that rock bottom will be so deep, that Europe won’t be able to dig itself out of. But without hitting it, I really suspect nothing will ever get done.
The progressives, and their rhetoric experts have shown us how they can manipulate millions of people, simply by branding, doublespeak and when necessary policing thought. Unfortunately, large portions of Europe are still under the rule of progressive, delusional weaklings.
Human Nature
We are creatures of comfort. We’re motivated by one of two things at any given time. We’re either chasing pleasure, or escaping suffering. It is the only way to ensure we can receive the good that God provides us. We may sacrifice some pleasure now (like visiting the dentist), in order to reap the pleasure in the long run, but this is how it works.
That is why most people find God, when they reach a situation that is beyond our capacity to tolerate. For some it’s a physical crisis. For others (like yours truly) it’s a realization that I’ve become spiritually bankrupt (credit for this beautiful expression, to Ayaan Hirsi Ali). But we very rarely search for the light, before we find ourselves in darkness.
It works with God, and it works with our earthly experience. I hope and pray that Europe’s fundamentals are strong enough, that when they finally reach rock bottom, they’ll have the strength and the path to return.
Did you know that I write fiction? Well, now you do. You can see my debut Novel, and future publications, as they become available at my: