Some Sherbhert readers may recall the story of Terry Waite, who, in the Daily Telegraph on 27 March, wrote about his extraordinary experience as a captive in Lebanon. It’s a moving, thoughtful piece, particularly as people around the world endure social distancing and isolation, in many cases alone, pondering their plight of uncertainty and distress.
In 1987, Terry Waite was working as a special envoy in Beirut, whose role was to seek to obtain the release of Western hostages, when he himself was taken prisoner by Hezbollah. He records “I spent the next 1,763 days chained to the wall and, apart from the last few weeks, I was totally alone” in a cell, initially deep underground. In addition, he was “kicked around and tortured”. While he is a religious man, his article does not preach but carries invaluable learning.
It is inappropriate to repeat much of what he says. His words need to be read as a whole. His story is remarkable, and he has much basic advice for those living through the lockdown, such as “Today in lockdown, it’s important to keep yourself well. Don’t slob around all day in pyjamas and a dressing gown. Dress properly and develop a routine. It’s important to have a structure – get up at a certain time, eat regular meals and so on.”
Positivity and hope are his message. To understand the story of Terry Waite may enable many people to keep a perspective on their own condition during lockdown, perhaps to see and take an opportunity, rather than simply being more and more anxious and, sometimes even sorry for oneself. Terry Waite maintained his pride, as well as learning a great deal about himself. While the experience will have transformed his life, he managed 1,763 days, retained his sanity and it seems emerged the stronger, able to publish a headline “My years spent in captivity gave me a gift I can draw on”. Read the full article at https://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/thinking-man/terry-waite-years-captivity-taught-coping-isolation/.
