Unbearable pain…

by Barbara Galbraith 18 April 2007 102 views Comments

This week’s tragedy on the Virginia Tech campus should serve as a reminder to all of us that, amongst the many wonderful and beautiful things of this world, there are still folks in great, deep, life-altering pain. They are in our classes; they sit next to us in the movies; they pass by us on the street; they share the bus with us; they are in our churches; they are in our communities…yet, too often, we don’t see them. Or if we do, we don’t reach out. What would Jesus do?

Today’s news reports that the letter left by the VT gunman mentions “disappointment” in his own religion, and also includes several references to Christianity. People of faith will do well to pay attention to further details from that letter as they come to light. We missed reaching this young man with the love and hope of His Lord. May we not miss another.

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Rick Dancer said:

When we are truly able to serve people where they are…right this second….not tomorrow, things will change. People need to understand that a relationship with God is about Freedom….not religion. Oh, when will the bride of Christ figure this out.
That’s where we should be praying…..for the families involved and for the church that it would open it’s eyes…

# 18 April 2007 at 5:32 pm

Anthony Doheny said:

One of the blogs I subscribe to http://www.ysmarko.com references a response to the Virginia Tech murders which is written by “youthspecialties” workers Jim Hancock and Rich Van Pelt. I recommend you reading this letter but wanted to post an excerpt that I find poignant.

“It’s not supposed to be like this. Just so we’re crystal clear about that. No one is supposed to walk into a dormitory and classroom building and kill 32 daughters and sons. No one has that right. Someone has to say this clearly and compellingly to the children of God we have agreed to nurture toward wholeness.
Tell them it’s not supposed to be like this.
Tell them the God who spoke through the prophets at many times and in various ways—and in these last days has spoken to us by his Son—tell them this God takes no pleasure in the suffering and death of his creatures.
Tell them it’s not supposed to be like this, and someday it won’t be.
Tell them the hope of the gospel includes a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness—we haven’t seen it, but in faith we see it coming.

In the meantime, tell them, life is grace and bad things happen; people are capable of breathtaking displays of love and staggering acts of oppression; the sun rises and the rain falls on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Tell them about the mercy of Jesus who promises the good news will one day prove every bit as good as the bad news so obviously is bad in these days. Tell them life is hard and God is good.”

I hope you recognize Jesus today.

# 19 April 2007 at 9:09 am

Catherine Amber said:

Anthony,

Thanks for that excerpt. Well said.

# 19 April 2007 at 2:56 pm

Dave Cramer said:

Today was also the 8th anniversary of Columbine. Amazing. Life happens. So does death. But what the killers fail to realize is that death does not stop life. It only makes it that more real to those who survive. And for those who do not, life is more real now than it ever was.

God is Life, and death has no say in that.

# 20 April 2007 at 10:33 pm

barbara said:

Where, o death, is your sting? Where your victory, o grave?

God is Life and death is not the end. I believe that. My heart still breaks that this young man was in so much pain that he felt his only recourse was to inflict the same on others.

My prayer and my hope is that all 33 who died on that campus on Monday are now sitting at the feet of Jesus, reveling in the glories that Life after earthly death surely brings. May they all know peace, love, contentment, and no pain. And may their families soon begin to heal as well.

# 21 April 2007 at 9:26 am

Nick said:

I have a question, and wish for people to answer it freely.

What would you tell someone who strived so hard to have a relationship with God, then lost faith. If you want to answer it personally my e-mail is nmosher91@gmail.com

# 21 April 2007 at 7:22 pm

barbara said:

I would tell that person that every single person of faith, even the really “good” ones, has, at one time or another, or at several one times or anothers, lost faith. Just like any relationship - - some days you love the person, and some days you can’t stand them. Its no different with God. Some days its easy and some days its hard.
Bottom line is this: When we lose faith, we just have to pick ourselves up, and come back to start over. We did it the first time, we can do it again.

# 22 April 2007 at 7:16 am

barbara said:

PS:
http://www.aish.com/spirituality/philosophy/Where_Was_God_in_Virginia_Tech$.asp

# 22 April 2007 at 7:20 am

barbara said:

20 IDEAS TO CONNECT WITH THE ALMIGHTY:

Have a constant awareness of our Father, our King, Creator and Sustainer of the universe. As soon as you think of the Creator, you immediately connect with Him. Think of Him often.

Feel a sense of awe for the Creator by frequently contemplating the size and complexity of the universe.

Realize that you are created in the image of the Creator and you are His child. When looking in a mirror, say to yourself, “You are a child of the Creator.”

Everything you have in life is a gift from the Creator. Be constantly grateful. This gratitude creates love.

The Almighty loves us more than we love ourselves. Frequently say to yourself, “The Almighty loves me even more than I love myself.”

Realize that everything that the Almighty causes to happen in your life is for a positive purpose. Some you will recognize, some you won’t. Frequently repeat, “This, too, is for the good.”

Respect each human being because each human being is created in the Almighty’s image.

When you do an act of kindness, you are emulating the Almighty. Do so frequently.

Every prayer you say, whether formal or in your own words, is an expression of connecting with the Creator.

Make a blessing to thank the Creator before and after eating. This adds a spiritual dimension to the food you eat.

Thank your Father, your King, for each and every breath. Since you are constantly breathing you are always connecting with the Creator.

Let your awareness of the Almighty’s love for you give you an inner sense of serene Trust.

Developing your character traits is considered “Walking in the ways of the Almighty.” Each positive step takes you far.

Every life situation has been sent to you as a test and challenge from the Creator to help you grow and develop your character.

Don’t speak against or harm the Almighty’s children. Thinking of this and acting accordingly connects you with the Creator.

You are always in the present moment. Right now, connect with the Creator even if you’ve gotten off-track a moment ago.

Sincere repentance out of love for the Almighty elevates you to such a degree that you can retroactively elevate the negative of the past with an absolute resolution not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

Feel joy for the joy of the Almighty’s children and have compassion for their distress.

Realize that you are never alone. Wherever you are, the Almighty is always with you. Speak to Him in your own way and ask Him for your wants and needs.

At all times, hear Your Father, your King, Creator and Sustainer of the universe saying to you, “I love you.”

See this article online:
http://www.aish.com/torahportion/shalomweekly/Acharei_Mot_-_Kedoshim_5767.asp

# 22 April 2007 at 2:11 pm

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