What is Perforce?

"Perforce" is a bridge term that means a particular card must be played. The American Heritage Dictionary defines perforce as: by necessity. Certainly, life deals us hands we would not choose. But, we have not choice but play with the cards that are dealt. You can lead trump cards if you don't hold any. And yet, it is by walking through the things which we would rather not face, that we find growth.

The doctrine of free will states that we always have choices. We can choose to face difficult situations in life, or escape from them. There are consequences either way. If we escape, we do not learn that no matter the depth of the disturbance, we can survive. We find strength in the depth of despair. For if we never experience the depths, we will never soar to the heights.

Sometimes, our souls are forged by the repeated hammering of life's blows. Our choices are solvents that develop our form and character. If we reflect on our troubling experience, we will find that they have made us wiser and given us strength. It is a paradox that painful periods strengthen our spirit.

In our weariest day, and our bleakest hour, we should remember that all things pass, and the sun will shine again in our lives. Sorrow heightens joy, and depression will heighten laughter. It is from the depth of despair that we learn true happiness. Happiness does not come from the material world. It is not a new car, a new home, or a new mate that will bring us joy. True joy comes from facing life on life's terms, and seeking the guidance that makes us wiser in our endeavors.

Difficulties always precede enlightenment. For, it is in our times of trouble, that we have no choice than to look inward and seek that solace of God. It is in God's plan for us to seek Him. Therefore, in troubling times we can see the hand of God seeking to draw our soul closer to Him. It has to get very dark before the stars come out. And, it is always the darkest just before dawn. Remember, no matter how dark the depths of your despair may seem; the sun will come out and the flowers will return to bring us joy.