Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.
- M. Kathleen Casey

Pain is suffering and suffering is pain, and though this quote is plainly contradictory, it makes sense.

Ingrid Betancourt’s reflection on nearly seven years as a FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia) captive does not dwell on the past pain, but communicates messages that focuses on building a future. Despite the hardships that Ingrid Betancourt endured as a Colombian rebel camp hostage, she upheld hope, care and courage. She still managed to sympathize with her enemies, and acknowledge the “dark side” existent in all of us, whether it is marked in human envy, bitterness or hated. Her adversity instilled in her a greater appreciation for simple things such as sleeping in a bed. She voices universal truths, driving us to change our ways. Ingrid endured six and a half years of pain yet she inspires as she encourages everyone to be a “light for others.”

Of all the things Ingrid maintained, she upheld her faith in God. Her forgiving attitude seems driven by Him and His message of absolution. “The Prodigal Son” is a beautiful story about forgiveness; like the father that forgave the son that made him endure so much, Ingrid is striving to forgive those who inflicted her with pain. If anything, her reflection compelled me to do something for my future rather than dwell on the past. As for the quote, pain and suffering may be the same things but pain is unavoidable while suffering does not have to control your life if you choose; it is simply a matter of forgiving, forgetting and moving forward.