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...rs sometimes blindfolded, often very scared, in a mosquito-ridden cell in the Lebanon where he endured beatings, physical hardship, boredom and at times, solitary confinement.
Amazingly, it wasn’t all gloom and doom. During his speaking engagements, John tells audiences that he feels enriched because for much of his captivity he shared his cell with Irish lecturer and philosopher Brian Keenan. Their horseplay, sense of humour and friendship was a lifesaver in every sense. Together they tried to comprehend why their guards acted as they did and to understand their political and religious motivations and beliefs. John and Brian sometimes had the courage to stand up to their captors and they were, at times, even able to joke with them.
But there were hellish moments too, of course, such as the times when they were gagged and bound from head to foot in sticky tape like modern day mummies as they were transported from one cell to another. Many incidents were hard to forgive and forget.
Incarceration taught John many things. He developed techniques to overcome physical and mental torture, self-doubt and despair. Above all, he learned to live with himself. John’s story is dramatic, moving and humbling: his story captivates all who hear it.
“No matter how bad the immediate circumstances, you can normally get through them. You can make something out of that experience while you are in it and you can take that into the rest of your life. Let yourself see beyond the negative. The ultimate thing is to never to give up hope.
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- Freedom in Captivity
- Recognize and accept change
- Never to give up hope
- Life-affirming Laughter
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