Making Sense of the Senseless

Today I mourn the death of a man I've never met.  A man who lived his life strong in faith, abundant in love and enveloped in service - by any definition a good, good man.  Yet tragically, unexpectedly, and prematurely he died. 

Why?!  How does this make any sense? What words of support can I offer my dear friend, as she tries to deal with the loss of her husband??!!  This is part of God's plan? Huh??  I'm not buying that.  God needed him in heaven?  C'mon... seriously?  Pretty sure there isn't an HR department up there.  He's in a better place?  Well.... he certainly lived with the intent of eventually going to heaven, but not now - not when he (and they) had so much to live for. 

I have to admit it, I've been disappointed in God.  The all-powerful, all-knowing, merciful, loving father that I believe in could not possibly allow this.  Even if I consider the vengeful, to-be-feared, punishing "Old Testament" God, in Paul and Darcy there is no sin, no doubt, no disrespect that might elicit this punishment.  How can I offer faith-based comfort, when the foundation of that faith feels so unstable?
 

I believe God IS good and I want to offer His goodness to ease the pain, to make the suffering more tolerable.  Until I get past "How could God let this happen?"; I'll never get to "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (...or any other scriptures)  I think its safe to presume that this sentiment holds true a hundred fold for those directly hit by tragedy.  How do you make sense of the senseless?

In looking for an answer, I came accross some words of wisdom from  Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of "When Bad Things Happen To Good People".   His ideas and thoughts rang true for me.   He writes of his belief in a God who is not cruel.  A God who despises suffering but cannot eliminate it.  Kushner suggests that when painful events happen, they are neither punishment for our sins, nor are they part of some grand design.  So far, so good - this sounds like my idea of God.

He goes on to say that bad things don't happen for any good reason.  The questions "Why did this happen? or What did I do to deserve this?"  are really unanswerable.  Instead, he suggests we ask questions that give us options for the future -  "Now that this has happened, what shall I do about it?"  I'm on board with his thinking here, too.  The opportunity to turn darkness toward light, evil toward goodness, is great .  Wouldn't this be a powerful tribute to a good man who lived a good life?

I'm still angry and hurt by Paul's death.  My heart is still heavy with the reality of Darcy's pain.  The sadness of his family, friends, colleagues and community is as deep as ever.   BUT, God is as outraged as we are and He will provide comfort. 

I chose "Be Still My Soul" by Selah, as a prayer for peace, strength, comfort and healing.  I ask each of you to pray, as well.  May your restlessness give way to stillness.  Let us find the words and deeds to support you through the coming days.  May love from all of us - the body of Christ - pour out to you,  giving you refuge from fear and pain.  With time, we look for the opportunity to turn this tragedy towards something good.   Above all, we wish you peace. 

God Bless,

Mark.

Some Things Never Change

Since my last posting, there've been a number of major events: Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter; devasting tornadoes in Alabama (and several other states);  a Royal Wedding; the death of Osama bin Laden; even Mother's Day.  As unrelated as they may seem, each and every one of these demonstrates the greatness of our God.  The triumphant cheers of Palm Sunday and the unwavering love of our mothers; the sheer physical power of nature and the amazing resurrection of our savior; a christian marriage surrounded in tradition, pageantry and family; the despair of Christ's death and the hope for an end to terrorism. 

When I came accross this song last week, I thought it might be a SOTW.  As I watched Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill's performance, the memories and emotions they inspired made this choice a "no brainer."

The strongest of these sensations is my Uncle singing at his father's (my grandfather's) funeral.  I was about five years old and my uncle was singing at the top of his voice, tears streaming down his face.  This image, tied to the song, has stayed with me for all these years.   My own inability to emit even a tearful peep of this song at my grandmother's funeral only adds to the mystery.

For me, How Great Thou Art reminds us to praise God at all times.  When we see the beauty, power and tranquility of nature, we recognize His work  The celebration of a life, of life-givers and of life changers remind us that Gods love is all encompassing.  God's hand touches everything - connects us to each other and to Him.  Sounds pretty Great to me...  Peace, Mark

The Old is New Again

This past week I reached one of the "milestone" birthdays.  With age and my increased need for rest, I've had time to reflect on my brief fifty years.  It has certainly been a life of many changes, challenges, laughter, accomplishments, some tears and abundant blessings!  I'm grateful for all of you - supporters old and new. 

I considered the concept of change and wondered if I - now deep into middle age - would be more resistant to new technologies and ideas.  Would I really be able to appreciate and share "contemporary" music?

...and then, by God's Divine Plan (or as we sometimes say "pure coincidence"), I heard a good old fashioned church song.  "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms" - written in 1887, but performed by Iris Dement on the soundtrack to one of the biggest movies of 2010! 

The movie?  True Grit.  The new version, with Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon, which I am told is an excellent film.  I'll admit that I was stuck on the "real" True Grit, with John Wayne and Glen Campbell.  Averse to change even before the big 5 - 0!  

Leaning On The Everlasting Arms, contemporary?  C'mon.  That's a song for the Andy Griffith show, not a brand new 2010 multi-Academy Award nominated movie!  But lo and behold, there it is.  So, my selection is an oldie made new again.  Its a great reminder that we are never too old to adapt, to start anew, to re-create the classic version of ourselves.  Or, to enjoy a fresh look at a timeless movie...     Peace, Mark

What Are You Afraid Of ?

This morning, on Fat Tuesday, I started thinking about what "growth opportunities" I might pursue during Lent.  On my drive to work, I heard Chris Tomlin's "The Way I Was Made" which got some interesting ideas flowing.  (perhaps you heard the clanking, followed by the smell of smoke!) What holds us back, limits us, keeps us from being the way we were made?  I think its simply fear.

Each of us has a small voice inside of us.  One that points us in the right direction.  Call it conscience,  intuition, the holy spirit, instinct or just a gut feeling - regardless, its there.  Its the one that whispers: "I love singing and dancing"; "hey, I don't feel right about this"; " now that was a good thing"; "It won't be easy, but you really need to..."; "good enough, probably isn't"

This voice, the one Casting Crowns called the voice of truth (see SOTW #1), makes the most sense and is almost always right.  Yet we often ignore it.  Why?  Again, I think its fear.  The fear of losing out or of making others uncomfortable or of not "fitting in"; of being judged or of making a mistake.

So this Lent, I'm going to listen to my instincts, especially when doing so might make me uncomfortable.  The best way for me to become "the man that I was meant to be" is to overcome my fears and embrace my power.  I'm going to let my light shine.  (Matthew 5:15-16)  I encourage you to do the same - after all, who wouldn't want to be the way we were made - loving, spirit-filled, happy, generous and free?

You're Beautiful, Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day!  The latest offering, from MercyMe, is to honor the beautiful people in our lives.  For our children - especially our daughters - who can get wrapped up trying to look "just right."  For anyone struggling to overcome adversity, abuse, self doubt or pain.  For our spouses and partners - the folks we've most likely taken for granted and perhaps left feeling under-appreciated.  Truly its for all people who have battled the feeling that they're not good enough.

Ever feel unattractive, undesirable, ugly, unwanted ?  Maybe even on the inside ?  I've been there -  I'd guess that we all have at one time or another.  "Beautiful" , reminds us that we are so much more than our fears and insecurities lead us to believe. 

You're a beautiful person - inside and out.  You are treasured. You are sacred.  Christ sees your true beauty and loves you wholly, totally, unconditionally.  Sounds like a pretty good Valentine to me....

Happy 2011

Ok, "anonymous" - you asked for it - a bit of wisdom to start off the New Year.  A thimbleful tops...

The new year couldn't have arrived too soon for my liking.  I was ready for 2010 to be over and better yet for it to become a distant memory.  Not exactly the best year of my life you might say. 

Thats the great thing about January.  We get the opportunity to make a fresh start.  We can build on our progress, reaching new and more rewarding places. Or, we can wipe the slate clean - discard all the "junk", bad habits and mistakes and start in a totally different dirtection.  A new year gives us a great reason to change, to improve, to re-build. 

Maybe thats why I was so eager for 2011 to arrive.  I wanted the opportunity of personal change, the hope of happier times, the enthusiasm for a better life.  Early January is such an optimistic time - and, like a dieter for sweets, I had a strong craving... for optimism. (hmmm, are those brownies I smell??)

Of course, for anything different to happen I'll have to make changes, likely some uncomfortable ones.  That means shaking off old habits and learning new responses to whatever obstacles and challenges I come up against.  I'm upbeat and hopeful these days, but I know that for this feeling to last I will have to take different actions than I have before.

This morning I heard the song, "Starry Night" by Chris August from his 2010 debut CD No Far Away.  It seemed obvious to me - the strength I need to break out of my old ways is based in the solid foundation of my faith.  All the other pieces of my life could be built up from there.

"I'm giving my life to the only son who was, and is and yet to come; to the only one who makes the moon reflect the sun; to the son who gave me hope when I had none.  Let the praises ring - He is everything."  With His love, strength and support I can accomplish anything: goals, changes, improvements - even resolutions.    ...and I'm thinking you can too.  Peace and Happy New Year!