Themes
Abuse/Trauma Survival
Overcoming abuse and trauma is not an easy process. In many cases, those who have suffered deeply don’t want to talk about it. Misplaced shame often drives victims to convince themselves 'it' never happened. Often when they risk sharing their story of abuse, they're traumatized again. For 30 years, Dr. Woods sough refuge from 'it' in self-imposed silence – alone. But he finally realized it's impossible to heal from abuse that never happened.
Addiction Recovery
Recreational use of drugs and alcohol can easily devolve into habitual use and/or addiction. Some who slip into an addictive mindset lose more than control; they risk losing everything to the addiction. Dr. Woods was one of them. Treatment and rehabilitation brought him a route from escape to salvation.
Endurance Training
Endurance training provides an outlet to expose the limitations that often exist – only – in our minds. Robert began his endurance journey at age 45. By pushing limits, we face our weaknesses and shortcomings head on and challenge ourselves to become our best self. Endurance athletes come to realize success is achieved if they finish not, if they win.
Faith and Hope
Christianity has many spiritual traditions including, the sacraments that guide believers in becoming one with our Savior, Jesus Christ. Still, it's not uncommon to get lost when trying to find our way to the Lord. We all stumble along the path. Disappointment may cause one to lose faith. Sometimes we must let go to allow God’s Love and Grace to take root providing hope.
Prison Education
In his dissertation, Dr. Woods demonstrated that prison educators can change the student's criminal mindset through transformative experiences. He believes that teaching in a prison can be one of the most rewarding environments for anyone with a passion to educate others. The opportunity to awaken the potential of a resilient learner can be realized when an incarcerated person encounters a teacher who truly cares.
