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Finding Meaning, Purpose, and Value: II

Viktor Frankl aptly pointed out, "a firm sense of meaning is essential for optimal human development". How do we find meaning in life?   If we are fortunate, we live 80-90 years, if we are extremely blessed, we live a relatively peaceful existence emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually.   But those types of lives are rare, even in Western culture. What does meaning, mean then?   Solomon seems to imply that we find meaning in our existence through some type of work or calling. "I know the best thing we can do is to always enjoy life because God's gift to us is the happiness we get from our food and drink and from the work we do" (Ecc 3:12 -13, CEV). Yet Solomon also saw the injustices of life just as we do today.   We see people in the Middle East and other nations suffer for their faith.   Tortured, burned alive, beheaded, crucified.   Crucified?   Yes, in the 21st century Christians are reported to be crucified.   Here in America or other weste
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Finding Meaning, Purpose, and Value

  "An existential crisis is a moment at which an individual question if their life has meaning, purpose, or value" (Richard K. James, Crisis intervention strategies, 2012). Viktor Frankl called this frustration the will-to-meaning.   In other words, failing to find meaning and a sense of responsibility in this life.   Thinking about my addictions class at school, and some recovery meetings I've been to, this seems to be a common thread in the life of the person suffering from the condition of addiction. This sense of meaningless also seems to stem from a deep sense of shame and feeling of worthlessness.   After all, if we have been made to feel defective and we believed that lie, then we conclude that our life has little to no meaning. If there is one major positive outcome from giving our life to Jesus, it is that we begin to find meaning to life and meaning to our existence.   We begin to discover our true character and calling in life.   That's not to say t
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