Taken on trust

Terry Waite (Abriel photo)

When Terry Waite was captured, beginning an ordeal that was to last four years, his son was just 14 years old. When he was released after 1,763 days in captivity, the boy he had left behind had grown into a young man — someone that he barely recognized.

This was just one of many poignant observations in an inspiring lecture delivered by Mr. Waite at the inaugural Segelberg Trust Lecture on Feb. 28. The Segelberg Trust Lecture Series is being presented by the Dalhousie School of Public Administration.

Into the dark

In 1987, while negotiating the release of hostages in Beirut, Mr. Waite himself was taken hostage. Today, he speaks candidly and at times philosophically about his experiences. Addressing a packed audience in the Kenneth C. Rowe Management Building, Waite described a nightmare of physical and psychological torture, including solitary confinement, beatings and mock executions.

Looking back on the ordeal, he recalled being able to rely on internal resources of strength and spirituality. He not only survived the ordeal, but emerged with his spirit and even his sense of humour intact. Remarkably, he returned from Lebanon bearing no ill will towards his captors.

Resilience of spirit

VIDEO: See highlights from the talk

"Of course I was angry at first," he said earlier at a press conference. "Anyone would be. But the anger dissipates. If you hold on to anger, it turns into bitterness, which can be a cancer on your soul."

While in captivity, Mr. Waite says he relied on three spiritual values that helped him survive. "First, no regrets — regrets can be demoralizing," he said. "Also, there was to be no feeling sorry for myself — many people in the world were worse off than me. And finally, no oversentamentalizing. I wouldnÕt allow myself to relive the past."

Strength and survival

Terry Waite now devotes most of his time to humanitarian causes all over the world. He has published several books including Taken on Trust and Footfalls in Memory, and lectures extensively throughout the world.

"Suffering will be with us until the end of time. Some people suffer through no fault of their own; and some more than others," he said, closing the lecture. "And yet, suffering need not destroy."