Conquering life's challenges - A Flash Essay

As a young child I had my own quota of stress to cope with, especially when my father lost his farm through no fault of his own, and we were unceremoniously thrown into economic despair, a very unsavoury situation from which my father never really recovered. Shortly thereafter, my eldest brother died due to a botched operation that, would he have lived, would have left him either blind or partially paralysed in his face.



As a family we faced continual trying circumstances and many challenges, not least of which were growing political tensions, international isolation, sanctions, etc.

At school we had neither guidance teachers, nor school psychologists, meaning no mentors who could be of help to any child facing emotional challenges. It was a matter of the survival of the fittest. Add to this our parents who had their own fears and stress to handle, who lacked proper emotional understanding and insight to adequately assist a growing teenager.

Today, despite having many more theologians, councillors and psychologists than ever before, the experience of stress is increasing.

Many things have changed over the years, yet every passing time frame always brings with it its own unique challenges. To adapt and survive we have to adjust our coping mechanisms constantly. Yet through the years, due to increasing tensions at every level of society, there has been an apparent growing inability to face these many challenges embodied in political insecurities, economic crises, marriage and family incompatibilities, work-related problems, ad infinitum! These, in turn, give rise to asocial behaviour such as intolerance, the presumed need for drugs and/or alcohol, inexplicable frustration and general aggressiveness – all attempts to escape the pinch of stress.

The availability of an understanding, supportive family network, a friend with wisdom or a reliable mentor, is paramount in this battle against overwhelming feelings of despair. Loneliness in your fight against stress is akin to suicide.

James Baldwin (late American civil rights activist) is certain that “not everything we face can be changed, but nothing will be changed if not faced!”

We have to face our fears and then find solace in the ultimate truth, I believe, according to John 16:23: “…the Father will give you whatever you ask him for in my name … ask and you will receive …”. Then we can realise that it is “foolish of men to live in fear of bogeys which lack the substance of truth” wrote Richard Llewellyn in How Green Was My Valley.


Nick van Zyl