More Comforting Perspectives on Tribulation - Coping With Adversity

This week’s show is a continuation of our series on coping with adversity and tribulation. Our guest is Jonathan Johnson - is a musician, storyteller, and minister who was in the original traveling cast of HAIR. Jonathan lost his spouse and baby to a real HATE CRIME (in the late 60s) when they burned down his hotel while he was in the theater during the show in Cleveland. Not only was his family killed, but another cast member's wife and child were also killed in the fire. Hate is nothing new and neither is discrimination. The irony is that the cast of HAIR was targeted because of a message of loving brotherhood. Tribulation and discrimination, in all forms, has existed in this world from time immemorial.

Amazingly, Jonathan and Robin, discovered The Urantia Book and its teachings on the after-life, right before this tragic event. His love of God, the support and comfort he felt from the angels, and what he learned from the revelation helped him deal with the deep depression and isolation he felt afterward. He will share how he learned to forgive and let go of hatred, and ironically, how much he can see that the tribulation of bigotry, racial disparity and lack of spiritual brotherhood is still fomenting in our culture today.

We often intellectualize when someone else is suffering, instead of offering sympathy and support. Just because we have faith, and know that life goes on, doesn't mean we don't feel or grieve or have the normal human emotions of sorrow, loneliness, and loss!  We may have tremendous faith, but we all have to live through tribulation and find a modicum of happiness. How shall we do that when there is so much turmoil? How do we deal with the loss of loved ones, especially a child or spouse? Let's explore these questions together.

For the next few shows, we hope to inspire you by talking to people who have experienced unspeakable grief and came through it with grace, goodwill, and dignity.