We've all heard of the illusion of control. Simply put, it means that we just think we are in control of everything and everybody around us. Sounds nice, doesn't it?
Of course, nobody can control everything all at once. Life is filled with unknowns. We share control with others on this planet, like it or not. That includes the people who care more about causing trouble than not.
Some people believe that God is in control of everything. I was raised on that theology. Many I know still espouse this. Today, I understand God to be a spirit, available to every human being. Only if we were all perfect and constantly in tune with the Spirit would God be in perfect control of humanity. We are not puppets! God is not pulling our strings!
Of course, if you believe that God literally sends plagues and natural disasters, then there is no room for the element of chance. "Everything happens for a reason," we frequently hear.
By contrast, I believe that there are many things that do happen by chance. Not everything is a part of "God's plan." Nature just goes amuck quite frequently in spite of the fact that it usually does not. Accidents happen. Not all illness is man-made, as some self-appointed "authorities" would have you believe. Things just aren't that simple. We don't need simple explanations for every complex problem that comes along. In fact, simple explanations get in the way of truth!! Yet we do well to seek ways of making a higher purpose out of the nonsense that comes our way.
Peter Pellulo, in his book Betrayal and the Beast www.betrayalandthebeast.com , reveals a common illusion for survivors who have yet to face reality. Though I've never heard anyone use the term "illusion of power," I dare say that's exactly what it is. Very similar to the illusion of control.
Under the false assumption that, by being in control, he was more powerful than the demons within him, Peter's addiction (in this case sexual addiction) was able to thrive. The truth couldn't be spoken because it was so well hidden--not just from Peter, but from all he knew. Like the little kid who experienced violent sexual abuse decades earlier, Peter had a need to feel more powerful than he actually was, even as an adult. His powerlessness was just too scary!
The powerful secret he was afraid to speak was in control of the person (ie. Peter) who was most interested in keeping the secret. Yet, once he realized this, Peter was empowered to work for change--not just for himself but for many others!
