Win the Day Ch 3

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Questions and Answers

What was Joseph Merrick often labeled as in human novelty exhibitions?

A half-man, half-elephant (correct)

A medical curiosity

A tragic figure

A grotesque fiend

How did Dr. Frederick Treves initially react to seeing Joseph Merrick?

He was horrified and left immediately.

He found him to be an astonishing specimen.

He expressed deep empathy upon first sight.

He was intrigued but maintained his distance. (correct)

What happened when the orderly saw Joseph Merrick for the first time?

She dropped the food tray and ran away screaming. (correct)

She fainted on the spot.

She became closely acquainted with him.

She politely introduced herself.

What major life change did Joseph Merrick experience when he was discovered by the police?

He was taken to a hospital. Signup and view all the answers

What methodological approach did Dr. Treves use to assess Joseph Merrick's social interactions?

He arranged a simple greeting with a woman. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea behind the phrase 'kiss the wave' as discussed in the content?

To embrace challenges and learn from them. Signup and view all the answers

How did Charles Spurgeon's experience at the Surrey Hall impact his future preaching?

He stopped preaching altogether for a period. Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is one effect of rushing through the stages of grief?

It can cause emotional wounds to become infected. Signup and view all the answers

What did Stephen Colbert learn from his experiences with loss?

To be grateful for all aspects of life, including suffering. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dr. Andrew Solomon indicate about grief and depression?

Grief is a natural response, while depression indicates an imbalance. Signup and view all the answers

In the discussion of emotional scars, what is suggested as a key to overcoming obstacles?

Cultivating healthy habits. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated about the nature of life in the excerpt from Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities?

Life encompasses both good and bad experiences simultaneously. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significant change in Merrick after he received attention and kindness from Dr. Treves?

He transformed from feeling hunted to feeling human. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'kiss the wave' symbolize in the context provided?

Accepting pain and hardship as part of healing. Signup and view all the answers

How did Lora approach her diagnosis of breast cancer?

She made courageous life changes and embraced healing. Signup and view all the answers

What question did Lora discover that influenced her healing process?

What have you come to teach me? Signup and view all the answers

What was Dr. Treves' perspective on Merrick following his death?

He exhibited a noble spirit despite his suffering. Signup and view all the answers

What overarching theme is represented in the experiences shared in the content?

The potential for growth through adversity. Signup and view all the answers

What role does perspective play in how individuals cope with suffering, according to the content?

It can transform suffering into a teaching moment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the quote by Charles Spurgeon regarding the wave?

It represents an acceptance of challenges as tools for faith and strength. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Obstacle Is the Way - Study Notes

Joseph Merrick (Elephant Man): Born in 1862, suffered severe physical deformities; exhibited in freak shows; eventually cared for by Dr. Treves. Treves observed Merrick's emotional response to kindness and a change for the better.
Kissing the Wave: The concept of accepting and enduring challenging circumstances. It's not about ignoring suffering, but about responding with resilience. The obstacles are not the enemy, but rather opportunities for growth.
The Significance of Response-ability: Acknowledging that we can't control every difficulty in our lives, but we can choose how to respond. This contrasts with a focus on assigning blame, either on oneself or on others.
Charles Spurgeon's Experience: Spurgeon, a preacher, suffered an intense trauma from a disastrous incident at Surrey Gardens Music Hall that nearly ended his career. He demonstrates overcoming intense emotional responses through faith. His stress levels, calculated with the social readjustment rating scale, were extremely high, indicating susceptibility to illness given the circumstances.
Lora's Cancer Diagnosis: Author's wife's experience with breast cancer illustrates how facing challenges head-on, including adjusting lifestyle and pursuing various forms of healing, aids resilience and trust in divine healing powers.
Dealing with Pain and Suffering: Acknowledges the subjective nature of suffering and grief. The author urges acceptance of circumstances, focusing on learning lessons and finding growth.
The Secret to Happiness in Suffering: The article proposes that embracing challenges, asking "What have you come to teach me?", and finding strength in faith leads to lasting growth, not simply escaping hardship. The author gives example of Joseph Merrick, Charles Spurgeon, and their respective struggles.
Blaming God: The author confronts the difficult question of why suffering occurs; highlights Deuteronomy 29:29; discusses the importance of leaning on faith and accepting situations beyond immediate understanding, even if questions remain unanswered.
The Serenity Prayer: The author connects the Serenity Prayer to the concept of response-ability, emphasizing the importance of accepting what's beyond our control, embracing courageous action where possible, and developing a discerning approach to responding effectively to life's circumstances.
The Holy Best: Contrasted with 'human best', which focuses on individual effort, the 'holy best' promotes leaning on God for guidance and healing. This contrasts with relying on therapy alone.
Buried Dead Yesterdays: The author advocates for letting go of the past by acknowledging it, learning from it, and finding new meaning, rather than clinging to painful memories or feelings of resentment. It's about moving forward in a way that's both faithful and resolute, recognizing that Jesus's sacrifice provides a means to "nail" painful past experiences to the cross, effectively ending their influence in the present and future.

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Description

Explore the key concepts from 'The Obstacle Is the Way,' focusing on resilience, response-ability, and transformation through challenges. Learn through the experiences of figures like Joseph Merrick and Charles Spurgeon, and how they exemplify the strength found in adversity.