Cascade VI
The Cascade of Trials
Nobody is spared. What the people who came through have in common is not luck but what they did next.
On Adversity
“Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.” The Book of Job, 1611
On Fear
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” The Book of Psalms, 1611
On Starting Over
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” The Book of Ecclesiastes, 1611
On Grief
“Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away.” The Book of Job, 1611
On Illness and the Body's Betrayal
“A long life includes all these troubles, just as a long journey includes dust and mud and rain.” Seneca, c. 64 AD
On Patience
“They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary.” The Book of Isaiah, 1611
On Endurance
“He knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” The Book of Job, 1611
On Despair and Its Passing
“Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD.” The Book of Psalms, 1611
On Hope
“Only Hope remained there in an unbreakable home within under the rim of the great jar, and did not fly out at the door.” Hesiod, c. 700 BC