Allen did manage a brave and optimistic spin in his initial letter home to his Dad (a distinguished veteran himself):
“As it stands now, my left leg has been amputated just below the knee, and it’s questionable at the present to me about the right one. I will probably require more surgery in the States. It may be as long as eight or nine months before I’ll be out of the hospital. As far as I’m concerned, everything will be the same in the future. The only difference is that I’ll have to be fitted with prosthesis.” (Allen’s Letter to his Dad on June 18, 1967, the day after his wounds, page 19, Wounded Soldier, Healing Warrior)
Benefiting from forty years of life experience after enduring the many surgeries, the emotional trauma, the fourteen week commitment to the closed psychiatric ward of Brooke Army Hospital, and the significant life impacts (both obstacles and opportunities); Allen states the reality later in his book, page 30: “The events of June 17, 1967, resulted in monumental changes to my life.” But, because of faith, family, and friends (such as spiritual mentors Andy and Gail Seidel, and so many others), the monumental changes had become catalysts for a powerful life transformation.
In his own words, Allen stated to me that “the resiliency after six years of psychiatrist appointments and anti-depressants occurred when Jesus, who had been Savior of my life, also became Lord because I began to understand prayer and the spiritual warfare battle in which I had been engaged for six years.” In the words of 2 Corinthians 4: 8,9; Allen Clark had certainly been afflicted, perplexed, and struck down, but because of his personal faith in Christ he was not crushed, despairing, forsaken, or destroyed. In God’s Providence and Provision, Allen was able to grow as a resilient warrior, to truly rebound, and higher than ever before.
Benefiting from forty years of life experience after enduring the many surgeries, the emotional trauma, the fourteen week commitment to the closed psychiatric ward of Brooke Army Hospital, and the significant life impacts (both obstacles and opportunities); Allen states the reality later in his book, page 30: “The events of June 17, 1967, resulted in monumental changes to my life.” But, because of faith, family, and friends (such as spiritual mentors Andy and Gail Seidel, and so many others), the monumental changes had become catalysts for a powerful life transformation.
In his own words, Allen stated to me that “the resiliency after six years of psychiatrist appointments and anti-depressants occurred when Jesus, who had been Savior of my life, also became Lord because I began to understand prayer and the spiritual warfare battle in which I had been engaged for six years.” In the words of 2 Corinthians 4: 8,9; Allen Clark had certainly been afflicted, perplexed, and struck down, but because of his personal faith in Christ he was not crushed, despairing, forsaken, or destroyed. In God’s Providence and Provision, Allen was able to grow as a resilient warrior, to truly rebound, and higher than ever before.
1 thought on “Bouncing Back”
Hi. I am Allen’s daughter and he truly is the most amazing example of “bouncing back!” His tireless optimism and willingness to help other people bounce back from their own traumatic experiences serve as a great example for us all. He has modeled resilience for his family, as well as for the countless lives he has touched through his speaking, book writing and coaching activities. I just stumbled upon this page during a Google search on my dad and am proud to see this post. On behalf of my dad, I thank you.