Bringing Viktor Frankl Safely Home

“In my Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:2-3)

Specific quotes are famous because they make a difference in people's lives. One of my favorite quotes comes from Viktor Frankl because it challenges and motivates me. "Everything you have in Life can be taken from you except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation. This is what determines the quality of the life we've lived. Not whether we've been rich or poor, famous or unknown, healthy or suffering. What determines our quality of life is how we relate to these realities." I listen to Frankl's words because he survived the concentration camps and retained his humanity. He's earned the right to teach me.

Sadly, he could not embrace God after his horrific holocaust experience. Yet, I believe God continued to speak through him. You and I did not go through the holocaust, but Frankl understands that each of us has struggles, and they were (are) real. I am continually amazed that we can shame ourselves because others have suffered more. Our pain is real, and we must address it sincerely and strongly. We must prepare for life's challenges before they erupt.

I care about Viktor Frankl because I feel like I know him through his books. I wish he'd felt comfortable with God's love and support. Life can be horrific, yet God is still there for us. We can relate to these realities by pushing God away and going it alone, or we can embrace God. I've always thought I needed all the support I could get in painful moments. I invite the Holy Spirit into those moments, and God has always found a way of bringing me safely through. Even in death, I believe God will continue to bring me safely through to life eternal. I think God carried Viktor Frankl to his heavenly mansion as well.