HOPE IN HARD TIMES Tom Hilpert

We invited my wife Kari, along with Ken Haynes and his wife Kelly, to talk with us about how suffering affects the spouses of the “primary sufferer,” and how it affects marriages generally. This is the second of three conversations we had when we were together.


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com

You may have noticed by parts of our conversation that I have been running behind on posting episodes. It was some time ago now that we invited my wife Kari, along with Ken Haynes and his wife Kelly, to talk with us about how suffering affects the spouses of the “primary sufferer,” and how it affects marriages generally. This is the first of three conversations we had when we were together.


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com

Mostly, we don’t deliberately choose to suffer. But what if was up to us? What if suffering was God’s best will for us, but he allowed us to choose an easier path?
I had an interesting experience pertaining to this lately, one that is hard to describe. I wasn’t sure if we were going to post this episode or not, but in the end, I believe there are some helpful things here that may be encouraging to others who are suffering. Rather than try to explain further, I invite you to listen to the episode!


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com

All world religions and world-views, address the issue of suffering, because suffering has always been part of what it means to be human. However, there is tremendous variety in the way suffering is approached, and, many other worldviews leave me (at least) very dissatisfied with their take on suffering. For just three examples: In Buddhism, suffering is an illusion, while for Hindus, those who suffer deserve to do so because of karma. For atheists, there is no ultimate rhyme or reason for anything, so if your suffering happens to be severe, bad luck to you.
Only Christianity tells us that we can have lasting joy in suffering. Only the Bible teaches that God himself suffered for us, and suffers with us. Join us, as we talk about these, and related issues, today.


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com

This is the second episode featuring our friend, Ken Haynes. I was personally so encouraged by this conversation, because talking with Ken helped me to realize that I am not alone. He also brought many good insights and thoughts into the topic of suffering.


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com

I am thrilled to drop this episode, the first of two conversations with a dear Christian brother named Ken Haynes. I’ll let Ken tell his own story on the episode, but I was deeply encouraged and moved by what Ken had to say. It’s been a great comfort to me to get to know Ken, because he is walking a similar path of suffering.
I pray that this episode encourages you as much as it has me.


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hopefulsuffering.substack.com