Reconciling the brief Life of a Young Child

Although I do not like to hear such sad news, I believe neither of us does, yet we cannot dismiss such events as an eight-year-old suffering and dying of brain cancer. I am full of questions, questions I can only take to the foot of the Cross, asking, “God, why does this happen, why is it possible, why do You allow this to happen?”

Consoling words often provide little consolation. Someone might say, “She/he is with God now.” Yet we were not ready to let her go! Is this caused by our environment, genetics, nutritional choices, or God’s will?

Some Scientists will say, “It may be attributed to any of these elements, or all of these references.” The fact is, however, we are left to ponder the “whys” of such tragedies and come to grips with how we have no control over such life-changing events.

Many of my recent articles have become a bit philosophical, and in part, I am sure, due to my number of years on this planet. Other reasons are how I have been gifted with the time and desire to work toward a closer relationship with God. Many of us, unfortunately, are unable to have time to become closer to God, as our lives are brief. For this reason, I am inspired and motivated to write and share with others what God has shown me. Having lived a long life, I have been able to do quite a bit of reflection. Through it all, I, too, have experienced great losses and setbacks in my life.

Not health, not intelligence, nor determination can help us to acquire acceptance, tolerance, understanding, or joy in life without the grace of God.

Too often, in our busy lives as we work toward securing a future, a good job, and enjoy our hobbies, we feel that “Now” is just not the time for God. We are young, we are healthy, we are in control! Our strength and control come from submitting to God’s will because we are not in control of what events may confront us in our journey. I ask you in a stormy sea out of a boat with huge crashing all around, who do you want to be at the Helm, you or God?

When we give our all to Christ, He gives us what we need to navigate from day to day. He can never be outdone with love, mercy, or forgiveness!

Back to the journey, where are we headed anyway? Do not all journeys come to an end? When we pass through that final door, let us all work toward being ready to reach that final destination. We were created by God, and this entire universe was created by God for us, but we are destined to return to Him.

There is one final condition, and that is, how we live our lives, the choices we make with the free will we have been given, as we will be judged. Let us live in faith and trust that you and I will find mercy, love, and acceptance when our journey comes to an end! Amen