Mark "Oz" Geist - 13 Hours Survivor Reflects on the Deadly Benghazi Attacks | SRS #74

Faith

Mark Geist's faith has been a cornerstone in his journey of resilience, particularly in overcoming PTSD and other challenges. He reflects on how his relationship with faith evolved after the Benghazi attacks, moving from a self-centered approach to a more profound, selfless understanding. Mark explains, "I got blown up three times. I should have died three times," highlighting the transformative power of his faith 1. His ability to forgive and not harbor hate, even towards those who tried to kill him, is rooted in his spiritual beliefs. Mark shares, "I can't have hate in my heart doing that job, because that's when killing becomes murder" 2.

   

Adversity

Overcoming adversity is a recurring theme in Mark Geist's life, where he emphasizes the power of choice in facing trauma. He advises those dealing with trauma to "make a choice, because it really is. It's choose to be a victim or not," urging individuals to use their experiences as a means to rise above challenges 3. Mark believes that choosing to live positively not only benefits oneself but also loved ones who share in the struggle. He states, "Every day your feet hit the floor. Am I going to freaking live and live positively and make a difference in somebody's life?" 3. This mindset has been crucial in his journey of resilience and recovery.