I just read a story about a young lady traveling from Eritrea to Libya with her father, with some Arab smugglers’ assistance. 5 days into the 10-day trip across the desert, her father died, and smugglers informed her that she was their property now. For 2 years, they raped and pimped her out, 365 days a year.

Finally, with the help of a doctor in Libya, she would escape and eventually found a group that would transport her back to Eritrea to her family. One problem, though; they had to travel in an inflatable raft with a janky boat propeller system, with 20 other refugees. 2 days into their trip, the propeller system failed, leaving them stranded in the Mediterranean Sea.

Eventually, they were rescued by fishermen who took them back to Libya, but 6 people died during the ordeal. She eventually made it back to Eritrea with her family and is hopeful for the future. She isn’t bitter and blames no one for what happens to her. She treats each new day as a gift.

I don’t mean to downplay the paralyzing effects of trauma, but I do want to emphasize the power of resilience. Stop complaining and be thankful for the gift of life, the past lessons, the beauty of the present, and the infinite possibilities of tomorrow.