When victimized by humiliating psychological attacks and involuntary testing with covert torture weapons for months and even years, we may begin to doubt our self-worth. That is not surprising. The corrosion of self-esteem is a key intent of the injustices we suffer. Some who torment us may even express the desire that we commit suicide. They place no value on our lives.

However, there is One who sees our worth and values us. Jehovah God is not swayed by the opinions of cruel, misguided men. His willingness to sacrifice the life of his precious son in our behalf is a powerful evidence of how he feels about us individually. Indeed, he views as precious all those who draw close to him. Jesus Christ, when on the earth, revealed the depth of God’s feelings by means of a heartwarming illustration:

“Ravens neither sow seed nor reap, and they have neither barn nor storehouse, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more worth are you than birds?” (Luke 12:24) In the Jewish culture of that day, ravens were considered the most unclean and undesirable of birds. As a result, Jesus’ audience saw no value in these scavengers either as food or pets. Yet, Jesus choose that most hated species of birds to make his point. God took care of undesired creatures that no one else had any concern for. If Jehovah cares for these tiny birds, how much more will he care for humans who love and worship him! Yes, even though our fellowmen may see little or no value in us, we can take great comfort in knowing how God feels about us individually.

In light of Jesus’ words, we need not feel that we are too unworthy to be noticed, valued and cared for by our loving Creator. In fact, he can see good in us that we cannot see in ourselves. It is truly beneficial to draw close to him. In this way we can enjoy the comfort and peace of mind that comes from having a loving relationship with Our Creator. He highly values those who draw close to him.

He Can Be Trusted
A society whose institutions cannot be trusted dehumanizes the people it serves. Experiments conducted by Michael Kosfeld, a professor of business administration at Frankfurt University in Germany, led him to the conclusion that trust is “a biologically-based part of human nature.” Kosfeld discovered that when there is interaction between two people, the human brain releases oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates trust. “It is, in fact, one of the distinguishing features of the human species,” Kosfeld states. “When trust is absent, we are, in a sense, dehumanized.”

We can hardly trust any governmental institution that covertly makes us the subject of long-term involuntary psychological and torture weapons testing. When such trust is breached we may wonder where to turn. Can we trust our Heavenly Father? Joshua, a leader in ancient Israel, said of God: “Not a promise failed out of all the good promise that Jehovah had made . . . It all came true.” (Joshua 21:45) Yes, God can be trusted.

One of God’s trustworthy promises is recorded at 2 Peter 3:13, which states: “There are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell.” God purposes to rid the earth of all who would exploit their fellowman. Putting our complete confidence in the trustworthy God who views us as precious can help us to cope with any struggle now, while looking to the future when all injustices will be a thing of the past. Jehovah’s Witnesses are happy to help you learn more about our loving God and his purposes.

There is no question regarding the devastating emotional effects of injustice in the form of long term psychological attacks that include gang stalking and covert physical torture. It is especially hurtful when neighbors, relatives, or former friends begin to participate in these attacks. The emotional wounds inflicted are deep and often enduring. The Bible’s counsel to “continue forgiving one another freely” (Colossians 3:13) may be very difficult to apply in this case. After all, the offenders have shown no remorse, and have not offered an apology. What basis do we have to offer forgiveness? What sort of forgiveness can and should be given? How can we benefit if we do?

It is true that those who treat others in an extremely unjust way cannot escape judgement from God. And, we have the right to pursue any legal avenues available for seeking redress.  However, if you have suffered an unresolved  injustice, please consider this: Holding on to anger and resentment can be very harmful to you personally. Waiting for an admission or apology that never comes, we may only get more and more upset. Being obsessed with the injustice may keep the anger seething within us, with devastating effects on our emotional and physical health. In effect, we allow the one who hurt us to continue hurting us!

Some who value the Bible’s guidance have discovered that even in cases of extreme injustice they were able, in time, to make a decision to forgive in the sense of no longer harboring resentment. While they may not excuse the wrongdoing, they refused to be consumed with anger. “Let anger alone and leave rage.” (Psalm 37:8) This is often a wise decision. It gives us a measure of relief and we are able to get on with our lives. The ability to resolve anger within ourselves protects us mentally, emotionally and physically. It allows us to focus our precious and limited resources on the things that really matter in life.

The practical benefits of such forgiveness can be seen in the life of Eva Kor, a survivor of Auschwitz Nazi Deadly Lab Experiments. 76 year old Kor says she has forgiven Josef Mengele, the Nazi doctor who conducted experiments on her and her twin sister, Miriam, at the Auschwitz concentration camp.

“Here I am, this little guinea pig from Auschwitz, and I have the power to forgive Josef Mengele! And he can’t do anything about it,” the diminutive, energetic woman who will turn 76 said during a recent visit to Auschwitz. “I stopped being a victim, and that makes me a very powerful person.” Indeed, for survivor Eva Kor, forgiveness is freedom!

Interestingly, some have disagreed with Kor’s forgiveness, feeling that it is improper for her to forgive such an “abhorrent monster.” However, note Kor’s response: “If they like being victims, it’s their choice,” Kor said. “I don’t want to be a victim ever again.” Yes Eva Kor has freed herself of slavery to hurt and bitterness as a result of her forgiving spirit. No doubt, that ‘freedom’ contributes to the vigorous and outgoing spirit she displays at the age of 76!

Do you feel isolated, helpless, that no one can fully understand the cruelty and injustice you face on a daily basis? Perhaps you feel that there is no one you can trust; no one you can pour out your heart to? If so, please be assured that there is someone who is fully aware of your sufferings. A friend who really understands. He can be an unfailing support who sticks with you and encourages you when you need it most. In fact, this dear friend has written a letter that reflects his depth of understanding and deep concern for your plight.

Our Heavenly Father is that friend. Rather, than view all human suffering with an uncaring eye, he has lovingly written in advance a letter that expresses his compassion and concern. In this letter, he provides examples of real life individuals who faced adversities quite similar to ours. One such example is the man David who was chosen by God to serve as King of the nation of Israel. Twice in his life, he became an outcast and fugitive, and was targeted by powerful groups that sought to destroy both his name and his very life. In fact, members of his own family participated in these attacks against him. His experiences, and how our Heavenly Father pulled him through can be a wonderful source of strength to us. Indeed, it is not a mere coincidence that this account was recorded and preserved until today. “This is written for the future generation . . .” states Psalm 107:18. The recorded account of David’s experiences is like a personal letter from a friend who truly understands and cares.

Does the following reflect the sort of suffering you face?

“All day long they keep hurting my personal affairs; All their thoughts are against me for bad. They attack, they conceal themselves, They, for their part, keep observing my very steps, While they have waited for my soul.” —Psalm 56:5-6

“Those hating me without a cause have become even more than the hairs of my head. Those bringing me to silence, being my enemies for no reason, have become numerous.. . .” —Psalm 69:4

“They have surrounded me like waters all day long; They have closed in upon me all at one time. You have put far away from me friend and companion; My acquaintances are a dark place.” —Psalm 88:17-18

In view of what you have just read, please ask yourself these questions. Is our Heavenly Father aware of what you are going thru? Are you alone in the distresses you suffer? How can knowing that he understands benefit you?

The Book of Psalms, contains many expressions of what the man David, a servant of God, endured. Those writings are lovingly preserved for you and I, who may well undergo similar trials. By reading these Bible accounts, in particular, Psalms 50 to 102, I have found great comfort in knowing that my Heavenly Father knows what I undergo. He knows your situation as well. Centuries in advance, he decided to pen a letter to us, “this generation,” reflecting his concern for our plight.

However, of even greater benefit is knowing that our Heavenly Father can come to our aid, and be an unfailing source of comfort and strength. Indeed he proved to be that for the man David, and enabled him to cope with and triumph over his adversities. Please note the following proof that David provided of Gods unfailing love and support:

“. . .Whatever day I get afraid, I, for my part, shall trust even in you.” —Psalm 56:3. Like David, can you trust in our Heavenly Father during fearful times?

“When my disquieting thoughts became many inside of me, Your own consolations began to fondle my soul.” —Psalm 94:19. Reading God’s Word was a source of consolation for David that protected him from being emotionally overwhelmed by his anxieties.” Can you take advantage of the emotional strength that comes from reading God’s Word?

“He will certainly turn to the prayer of those stripped [of everything], And not despise their prayer.” —Psalm 102:17
David well knew what it meant to lose everything. Although his fellow man despised him, he knew that God cherished him as a friend, and carefully listened to his prayers. What confidence can you have if you sincerely turn to God, and pray for his help?

Overwhelmed and distressed, eyes glistening with tears, David called upon the kindness and compassion of his God, Jehovah, begging him, “Do put my tears in your skin bottle. Are they not in your book?” —Psalm 56:8. David was confident of God’s compassionate concern. It was as if God was preserving each of his tears in a “skin bottle.” In David’s day, skin bottles had a well earned reputation for preserving and keeping water cool, even in the intense heat of the desert sun. What this illustration shows is that David knew that our Heavenly Father never forgets the suffering we undergo. Not only is he aware of our suffering but also the emotional impact of those trials. He greatly values those memories and preserves them. Please be assured that by drawing close to God, you can have the same comfort and assurance.

David endured and survived these distressing times in his life because of God’s help. “I have become just like a miracle to many people; But you are my strong refuge.” —Psalm 56:8. Yes, so powerful was the aid that God provided, that David’s survival was like a miracle in the eyes of his enemies. David had success because he made God his refuge.

If we pray to God today and are willing to accept his guidance and direction we too can enjoy the wonderful comfort, strength and protection that David enjoyed. You are not beyond his help. You are not alone. Sincerely ask for his help in prayer and be willing to accept his guidance. Be assured that our Heavenly  Father understands your suffering and will tenderly care for you as well.

” . . . researchers began to see that the elements of the personality type most clearly linked to heart disease and other health disorders are hostility, suspiciousness, aggressiveness and a volatile temper.”
—New York Times, Dec. 30, 1990

Coping with the challenges of being a victim of covert government psychological aggression in the form of “gang stalking” and directed energy weapons torture demands the exercise of wisdom. Many victims of such attacks who email in response to my articles reveal a deep seated bitterness and hatred toward their antagonists. Allowing such feelings to simmer day after day is the worst things we can do to our health and longevity. In fact, research has found that the long term effects of hostility has a more detrimental effect on mortality than cigarette smoking, obesity and a high-fat diet!

Here is an excerpt from an article entitled “If Anger Ruins Your Day, It Can Shrink Your Life” in the December 13, 1990 New York Times that is worthy of serious consideration. The full article can be found here. This information helps me to monitor my own responses to provocation. May it help you to cope wisely with any distressing challenges you face in life.

“People who often explode in hostile rages or who sit around fuming over every perceived slight may be doing more than making themselves unpleasant. They may be killing themselves.

Researchers have gathered a wealth of data lately suggesting that chronic anger is so damaging to the body that it ranks with, or even exceeds, cigarette smoking, obesity and a high-fat diet as a powerful risk factor for early death.

“Our studies indicate that hostile, suspicious anger is right up there with any other health hazard we know about,” said Dr. Redford Williams, a researcher in behavioral medicine at the Duke University Medical Center. Anger and Cholesterol

In results presented at a recent meeting of the American Heart Association, Dr. Williams reported that people who scored high on a hostility scale as teen-agers were much more likely than their more cheerful peers to have elevated cholesterol levels as adults, suggesting a link between unremitting anger and heart disease.

In another recent study, Dr. Mara Julius, an epidemiologist at the University of Michigan, analyzed the effects of chronic anger on women over a period of 18 years. She found that women who had answered initial test questions with obvious signs of long-term, suppressed anger were three times more likely to have died than those who did not harbor such hostile feelings.

“For many women, constant suppressed anger seems to be a stronger risk factor for early mortality than smoking,” said Dr. Julius, who announced her results at a recent meeting of the Gerontological Society of America.

Other researchers are teasing apart the complex welter of anger’s physical effects on the body. They are finding that some people who are prone to anger have an overactive “fight or flight” response, generating excessive amounts of stress hormones when confronted by life’s every bump.

At the same time, such people have an underactive cool-down response, lacking sufficient hormones designed to counter the effects of stress.

The findings suggest that some people may have an inborn predisposition to excessive anger, although scientists said that whether or not one gave in to rage may aggravate or diminish that inherited tendency.

Many researchers said anger-prone people could reduce the risk of early mortality by changing knee-jerk, hostile responses.

The latest studies of anger stem from research in the 1960’s on the Type A personality, which is exemplified by the hard-driving, competitive, perfectionist executive who was thought to have an unusually high risk of heart disease. Studies Show Lethal Effects

But as researchers looked more closely, they realized that not all people with that personality type were in danger of heart disease, nor could all the traits associated with the type be statistically or experimentally linked to early death. For example, neither competitiveness nor an addiction to work could be shown to be physically harmful.

Instead, researchers began to see that the elements of the personality type most clearly linked to heart disease and other health disorders are hostility, suspiciousness, aggressiveness and a volatile temper.”

At a business seminar on human relationships, the speaker told of a hospital ward filled with orphaned babies. In a long row of beds, the babies became ill and some of them died—except the baby in the last bed. It did well. The doctor was puzzled. All were fed, bathed, kept warm—no difference in their care. Yet only the baby in the last bed thrived. As months passed and new babies were brought in, the story was always the same: Only the baby in the last bed did well.

Finally the doctor concealed himself to watch. At midnight the cleaning woman came in and on hands and knees scrubbed the floor, from one end to the other. The floor finished, she stood up, stretched, rubbed her back. Then she went to the last bed, picked up the baby, walked around the room with it, cuddling it, talking to it, rocking it in her arms. She put it back in its bed and left. The doctor watched the next night, and the next. Each night the same thing happened. It was always the baby in the last bed that got picked up, cuddled, talked to, and loved. And in all the new groups of babies brought in, it was always the baby in the last bed that thrived, while the others got sick and some died.

This true experience highlights the fact that love is our greatest need. Babies die without it. The elderly waste away for lack of it. Illness flourishes in its absence. Humans thrive mentally and physically in loving environments. Dr. Claude A. Frazier warned that if our technological society is not humanized by love, “the alternative, as we can now surely comprehend, is a nation of cities turned into jungles of hate . . .”

Those who are currently innocent victims of long-term directed energy weapons torture and psychological attacks would probably agree that our cities are already “jungles of hate.” The loss of civility and neighborliness that afflicts our culture is a breeding ground for fast-growing cancers of covert hostility. These cruel programs create psychological isolation intended to mentally unbalance its victims. Humans are gregarious by nature, and need an interchange of feelings. We need to feel that we are valued by others. If we become convinced that we are unworthy of love because of years of psychological abuse, we suffer, both mentally and physically.

How can we protect ourselves and counter such emotionally destructive attacks? A clue is found in the words of Jesus Christ: “Practice giving, and people will give to you. They will pour into your laps a fine measure, pressed down, shaken together and overflowing. For with the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you in return.” —Luke 6:38

In other words, to receive love, we must “practice giving” love. Exercise it as you would a muscle. Make it grow, increase, until it fills you, becomes you. Then prove it’s alive by your loving works. Yes, when we sow love, we reap it in turn! However, what if many of the individuals around us remain hostile toward us? Does this make our efforts to show love and kindness futile? Absolutely not! “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” —Acts 20:35 It is our pattern of showing love that produces greater happiness. Even if some will not or cannot reciprocate, our efforts to show love produce a rich reward.

There is no better example of this than God himself. “He makes his sun rise upon wicked people and good and makes it rain upon righteous people and unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:45) Yes, our “Happy” God (1Ti 1:11) shows love both to people who appreciate him and to those who do not.

I have found that making the effort to be friendly under all circumstances and to all sorts of people lifts my spirits and protects my self-esteem. It neutralizes the hatred that surrounds me. It requires effort and mental discipline to avoid slipping into the corrosive attitudes that surround me. However, it is truly worth the effort. I thrive to the extent that I practice love and kindness in my dealings with others.

Exercising love is much like a bodybuilder who uses a weight to train his muscles. Repetitively lifting that weight or burden makes him stronger. Likewise, using the ‘burden’ of adversity we face as an opportunity to exercise love will make us stronger and happier!

Love your enemies? Is that practical?

“I do believe this has to be fought on a higher spiritual level, but the more I learn, the harder I find it is to love thy neighbour, when neighbours so willfully do horrible things to each other and others.” —A comment from a reader of my recent badexperiment.com post “A Disturbing Connection.”

Who would not sympathize with that victims viewpoint? Indeed, it may seem that the Bible’s counsel to “love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44) simply isn’t practical for individuals targeted by ongoing harassment that includes psychological attacks by community based groups and directed-energy weapons torture. Perhaps you feel that way too. Putting that into practice may be the most difficult thing we are asked to do, especially when confronted by the evil of others on a daily basis!

Here is a motivation that you may not have thought about. Following the admonition to “love your enemies” can mean the difference between good health and bad! A recent study found that a single bout of anger produces effects in the body that lasts more than a week including elevated blood pressure. In fact, blood pressure continues to rise for a week after a single stressful incident! Researchers at the University of California and Columbia University examining the long term effects of anger have concluded that “stressful events have the potential to continue to do harm long after they are ended.” Anger has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease, hardening of the arteries, and other health problems.

Think about it . . . If the mere sight of someone who has done you harm triggers anger, it also burdens your cardiovascular system! That internal damage is compounded if your anger is repeatedly triggered on a daily basis!

I have seen rich benefits in my personal (and admittedly imperfect) efforts to “love my enemies.” Of course, caution is always in order when dealing with such individuals. Yet, I find treating all persons with common decency and kindness emotionally liberating. Unresolved anger is a physical and emotional drain. By refusing to allow anger to develop when targeted by unjust treatment, I have more energy and greater emotional control. I get more done. I am calmer, and less likely to be distracted from what really matters on a day by day basis. This is a daily challenge. However, by focusing on the practical benefits of doing so, I can keep my thinking and actions under control. Responding in this way means my survival and capacity for joy are not diminished, but strengthened. The adversity I face, while being a part of my life, never overwhelms it.

Despite enduring more than eleven years of attacks, I have never suffered from high blood pressure, ulcers, or other serious psychosomatic effects of long term distress. I have never taken any kind of medication or sleeping pills. I have avoided alcohol dependency and abuse, and do not use any illegal drugs. “Loving my enemies” gives me the strength to face my challenges without emotional crutches.

Undeniably, learning to “love your enemies” is a challenge. Yet, it can help you to minimize or even avoid long-term damage caused by distressing negative emotions. That is good for both your mental and physical health. In fact, we can think of the counsel to “love your enemies” as good medicine!

A Reader’s Response:
I found a comment emailed to me by one reader of this article of value. It is quoted below:

“I grasped this concept a few years back and I MADE myself ACT happy. I did this by forcing a smile on my face every time I went out in public . . . even though I did not feel happy, I displayed happiness and soon I started to see the reactions from the community stalkers. They were not happy that I was smiling all the time and a couple of them got very angry at me because I was smiling all the time..This encouraged me even more to continue with my ACT of happiness . . . the result was I indeed did become happy and the physical ailments my body was feeling diminished to the point where I only feel mild attacks to my body . . . I have seen a remarkable difference in my health and also I saw that my community harassers no longer verbally tried to harass me . . . I still get the odd real grumpy person, but I just laugh like crazy at them and give them the peace sign . . . Spread the LOVE . . . It works wonders.” —Submitted by Reader

Having been a target of psychological attacks and directed energy weapons torture for eleven years, I have had the opportunity to observe my antagonists at length. In some cases, I have been in proximity to the same individuals participating in my harassment for two to five years. This gives me the opportunity to study them. I have been especially interested in discerning the long-term effects of hostility and mean-spiritedness on a person’s physical health. Doing so is a far more meaningful exercise to me than simply becoming provoked by their appearance.

In essence, I have watched a number of these individuals age before my eyes. While my observations are only that, merely observations . . . I come away convinced of the enormous physical and emotional toll that their occupation wreaks on their own bodies and minds. To my eyes, it appears that many of them are afflicted in middle age with maladies normally associated with old age. You also see the signs of a temperament hardened by cruelty. Recent studies have documented the long-term effects of hostility on the body. I was doing some research on this issue and found an excellent article that discussed the challenges law enforcement officers face in coping with anger. Dr. Dorothy McCoy, a clinical counselor, provides helpful tips in this column that can be of great value to the victims of long-term injustice as well. Here is a quote I found especially useful.

“. . . Approximately 90 percent of all situations are neutral. That means they are neither negative nor positive until you process them through your belief system. You decide if they are stressful or not. We create the majority of our stress and anger. If we believe that we can successfully resolve a situation, then we do not consider it stressful.”—My Thoughts Create My Anger?

This shows the powerful role played by our own attitude in determining if daily provocations become a source of stress. In many cases, it is not the situation that creates stress. We make the decision to respond in a stressful way. If that is the case, we also have the power to decide not to respond with stress-producing anger or frustation!

I found a fascinating thought in this regard in a Bible prophecy that discussed Jesus Christ’s response to the enormously stressful events he endured leading up to his death—the ultimate act of injustice. In Isaiah 50:6, commenting on what he faced, it says: “My face I did not conceal from humiliating things and spit.” This refers to the humiliating treatment Jesus would face of being punched, cursed, reviled, and spit upon shortly before his death. Humiliating and stressful treatment indeed! However, notice his response as revealed in the next verse (Isaiah 50:7): “But the Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself will help me. That is why I shall not have to feel humiliated. That is why I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.” Jesus, confident of his Heavenly Father’s support, chose not to feel humiliated by humiliating events in his life. He chose not to be ashamed. Likewise, we can also choose our response to the humiliating and potentially stressful events we face. Choosing not to become angry and mean-spirited, with its resultant stress, can be a tremendous protection for our emotional and physical health. It will also allow us to control the outcome of potentially harmful encounters. Our controlled and principled response is an admirable display of genuine courage in imitation of the flint-like determination of the Christ.

So, in closing, how will you choose to respond?

Can you imagine this being your life story? Your older brothers sell you into slavery as a final act of abusive hatred that started in your childhood. As a slave, you are falsely accused of attempted rape, and incarcerated. All told, despite your innocence, thirteen years of your life are spent as either a slave or prisoner. How would that experience affect you? Would it break your spirit? Would you spend your days planning an escape, brooding, seeking a way to retaliate against those who wronged you? Would a string of injustices that began in your childhood make you forever distrustful and incapable of love or happiness?

These are the true-life experiences of Joseph, whose account is found in the Bible book of Genesis. I found his life story a source of great inspiration for any today who may be victims of long term injustices such as directed energy weapons torture and forms of psychological warfare that include gang-stalking.

By the time he reached the age of 17, Joseph had a serious problem within his own family. His older brothers saw that Jacob, their father, “loved [Joseph] more than all his brothers.” Consequently, “they began to hate him, and they were not able to speak peacefully to him.” (Genesis 37:4) We can imagine the anxiety and stress that this situation caused Joseph. Eventually, the hatred of Joseph’s brothers became so intense that they sold him into slavery.—Genesis 37:26-33

While a slave in Egypt, Joseph had to resist the immoral advances of his master’s wife. Angry at being rejected, she falsely accused Joseph of trying to rape her. He was given “over to the prison house,” where “with fetters they afflicted his feet, into irons his soul came.” (Genesis 39:7-20) What a distressing outcome! For about 13 years, Joseph was either a slave or a prisoner because of injustices brought on him by others, including members of his own family.—Genesis 37:2; 41:46.

What is exemplary about Joseph is his refusal to be crippled by hatred and bitterness. How do we know that he resisted the tendency to become bitterly angry during his trials? Consider how he reacted when he did have an opportunity to take vengeance on his brothers who had come to Egypt to buy grain. The account says: “[Joseph] turned away from them and began to weep. . . . After that Joseph gave the command, and [his servants] went filling up [the brothers’] receptacles with grain. Also, they were to return the money of the men to each one’s individual sack and to give them provisions for the journey.” Later, when sending his brothers to bring their father to Egypt, Joseph encouraged them with the words: “Do not get exasperated at one another on the way.” In both word and deed, Joseph proved that he had not let bitterness and resentment poison his life.—Genesis 42:24, 25; 45:24.

Yes, instead of harboring self-destructive anger, Joseph took the opportunity to help his brothers when they were in need. He did not allow bitterness to destroy his good qualities. Can we learn a lesson from that?

Secondly, Joseph never allowed his circumstances to control his life. We can become so preoccupied with what we cannot do in a distressing circumstance, that we lose sight of what we can. While serving as a slave, Joseph worked diligently and distinguished himself. As a result, he was appointed as head of his master’s household. When he found himself in prison he again applied himself and was appointed to run the prison by the chief officer. His resourcefulness and hard work earned him a high ranking position in the Egyptian government upon his release.

Joseph made the best possible use of his resources in spite of his environment. He even earned the respect of individuals who would normally not have his best interests at heart! His unpleasant circumstances never robbed him of his civility and dignity.

Those who are unjustly victimized by programs of psychological warfare and covert torture can learn much from Joseph. There are things we face that we have no control over. However, there are areas of our life where we can make the best of our situation. Do not let bad circumstances determine the path your life takes! Realistically, we still must earn an income, and live our lives to the best of our ability. We must still be productive members of society and good neighbors. We must also learn to interact with those who target us for abuse in a civil way! Keeping a positive outlook on life, and focusing on the good we can do can protects our mental health and prevents self-destructive behavior.

The lessons learned from Joseph have been of great encouragement to me. I take great pleasure in doing the best work that I can, looking for ways to help others, and maintaining a pleasant disposition before all. Of course, it is not easy. But it is worth the effort! Reflecting on this account also helps me to appreciate that I am not alone. Injustice and oppression afflicts many. Learning how to respond in the best possible way is vital to my survival and long-term emotional stability.  It is possible to choose a response to long-term distresses that allows us to live the best possible life under any circumstance!

Set The Example For Your Persecutors
The ability to restrain the urge to retaliate is an act of singular courage. Knowing that I have treated even those who harbor ill will towards me with civility and decency promotes inner peace. Vindictive, spiteful people are always ‘watching their back’ worried about running into someone they’ve harmed. I do not have that fear, nor the host of nagging anxieties that come with it. Of course, this does not mean I throw all caution to the wind. Certain individuals must be treated with caution when their bad motives become apparent. However, my civility and restraint will teach them a far more powerful and meaningful lesson than any returned slight, insult or bitter tirade ever could.

“I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence.” - Psalm 39:1,2

How should we react if we are surrounded by individuals who are intent on provoking us? That scenario is common to those who are victims of “gang-stalking” and other forms of psychological warfare. Have you given thought to the power and practical wisdom of silence? The Psalmist encourages us to put a “muzzle” on our mouth when surrounded by the wicked. In other words, to remain silent, not responding to provocation. Why is that the best possible response? Keeping silent prevents us from saying something in the heat of the moment that we may later regret. Uncontrolled, rash speech can be self-destructive. Indeed, that is the goal of the attacks we endure!

The best way to avoid saying something we may live to regret, is to simply say nothing. We are wasting our words on those who do not have our best interests at heart. Say nothing! Can you see the clear, simple logic in that? A good example in this regard is provided by Jesus Christ. When he was surrounded by false accusers looking for something in his speech to entrap him, note his response: “But Jesus was silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I command you by the living God to tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God!” -Matthew 26:63  Jesus discerned that his enemies were intent on finding something in his own words to entrap him. Knowing that, he simply kept silent. What a fine example!

I am writing these thoughts at 3:30AM, after being awakened by the covert use of acoustic weapons in the adjoining apartment. This is a good time to “watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin!” Rather than dwelling on thoughts that will cause me to become resentful and bitter, my mind is refreshed by focusing on upbuilding, and emotionally healthful ideas such as those contained in the Bible. There is no better way to strengthen my mind for the daily challenges I face!

“There is no challenge in life that is too hard to confront . . .”

In the Himalayan winter, without food or shelter, a human being is not expected to live longer than a week. James Scott, however, lasted 43 days. He survived extreme cold, hunger, isolation and despair, hanging on to the dwindling hope that a search team might find him, or that he could crawl out when the snow thawed. How can those of us who face long term injustices such as radiation weapons torture and “gang stalking” benefit from his lesson in survival?

James was a 22 year-old karate enthusiast, who suddenly became lost in the Himalaya Mountains when a sudden blizzard swept in, hiding his trail. He was in real danger of freezing or starving to death. He recalled having seen people in karate competitions “get slowly ground down, each blow draining them of their spirit, until . . . they became completely defenseless.” He said: “That was how I felt as I zipped up my sleeping bag and feebly ate some snow. My spirit had been crushed and all the will to live had left me. Never had I felt so defeated.”—Lost in the Himalayas.

Isn’t it true that as we face long-term injustices designed to break our will and spirit, it may feel as if we are slowly being ground down and defeated. Nevertheless, despite such seemingly overwhelming challenges, we can learn how to survive relatively intact physically, emotionally, and spiritually until a solution arrives. How? Here are two valuable tips given by survival experts that may benefit victims of ongoing injustice:

The first is to avoid worsening an already difficult situation. “Your strategy,” says The Urban Survival Handbook, “must be to avoid unnecessary risks . . . and minimize the damage caused by those you can’t avoid.” This helps us to see the wisdom of avoiding attitudes or behavior that escalate emotional harm or cause confrontation. Learn to walk away rather than cause needless conflict.

The second—and perhaps the more important—has to do with our attitude. “Survival,” says The SAS Survival Handbook, “is as much a mental attitude as physical endurance and knowledge.”

One important key to survival is maintaining a hopeful and positive outlook. Sometimes there is little you can do to escape the effect of the psychological war waged against you. However, don’t give up; don’t throw in the towel. “It is easy to let yourself go, to collapse and be consumed in self-pity” when exposed to a hostile or dangerous environment, says The SAS Survival Handbook. Do not give in to negative thoughts and emotions. You may be amazed at how much you can endure. “Men and women have shown that they can survive in the most adverse situations,” says the same handbook. How did they do it? They survived, it says, “because of their determination to do so.” Be determined not to be defeated by injustice.

James Scott, mentioned earlier, was eventually rescued from what could have become his Himalayan grave. He said that his struggle to survive had taught him at least one important lesson. What was that? “There is no challenge in life that is too hard to confront,” he said. Tim Macartney-Snape, an experienced mountaineer who was amazed that James Scott was able to survive long enough to be found alive, also drew a lesson. He said: “As long as there is any hint of hope, you must never give up.” So, no matter how dark things may appear to be, you only make matters worse if you lose hope. Never give up hope of rescue.

One more thing that I try to keep in mind:  Our stalkers and attackers take great delight in showing their pleasure at our failings, no matter how minor. If we allow our thinking to be poisoned by their view of us, it will destroy self-esteem. You will have bad days. You will make mistakes. I find the scripture at Proverbs 24:16 to be of great comfort in this regard: “The righteous one may fall even seven times, and he will certainly get up.” Yes, we “may fall,” or make mistakes frequently as we try to cope with our persecution. When that happens, the important thing is that we “get up!” Be determined to recover, learn from your mistakes if necessary and move ahead. Instead of just thinking of yourself as a general failure, pinpoint what you failed at and what caused it. This way you can do better next time. This scripture also shows the need not to take ourselves too seriously. Sometimes, you can laugh at yourself!  We all fail at times. Just be determined to restore a healthy, balanced view of yourself. This will go a long way towards protecting our mental and emotional health.