This is probably the most frequent question I’ve been asked
in the months since I was diagnosed with stage 4 mesothelioma cancer
with small chance of a cure.
Many are
trying to grapple with the reality of why a guy who started and led a
non-profit serving homeless youth should be “cut down” in the thick of life and
prevented from continuing such service.
It
just doesn’t seem fair!
Why not a drug
addict or rapist or arsonist instead?
It
would make sense for “bad things” to happen to “bad people” wouldn’t it? But a “good person” like me?? And so the question “Why do bad things happen
to good people?”
This was the title of a book written by Rabbi Harold Kushner
in 1981 in light of a personal family tragedy.
His conclusion was that God’s power is limited in the face of evil.
I disagree!
And I would like to offer another
perspective for consideration in light of my personal “bad” that I believe more
accurately portrays both God and reality.
I would never have chosen this cancer journey that I’m
on. Cancer is terrible. It wreaks havoc on you. It is hard.
It is painful. It is a daily physical and mental battle.
BUT, is it a “bad thing” happening to me?
In the way that it has turned my world upside down, stopped
me from continuing to do the work I love, made me a “frequent flier” at
Harrison Medical Center; not to mention, needing CPR to bring me back to life; that
would be an unqualified YES!
Which makes
it very difficult to look beyond these “bad things” to see the many “good
things” that have come from what I am experiencing.
In fact, as this cancer
journey continues for me, I’ve been amazed at how God is using it for much good.
It has reinforced my realization that far
from God’s power being limited in the face of evil, it is God’s power that instead
is turning evil into good!
I began this blog at the beginning of my journey at the
encouragement of my oldest son, though I didn’t have any idea about how to blog
or the impact it might have.
It’s been
amazing. As I’ve shared my ups and
downs, my despair and the hope, of my cancer journey; hundreds of you have
joined me in my journey! It has reached
far beyond Kitsap County. A relative
stranger told my youngest son, “Texas is praying for you!”.
Many of you have responded with encouragement and
support. You have expressed the impact my words have had on you, providing you encouragement in the midst of your life’s challenges as I’ve honestly and
transparently shared my challenges.
I have also grown in my understanding of and
compassion for individuals who are in pain.
I’m much more cognizant of my mortality and confident of heaven’s
reality.
These are “good things” are
they not? It is not what I would have chosen and not what I would have imagined as a means of encouraging others,
but God has definitely turned it for good.
Now for the second part to the question “Why do ‘bad things’
happen to ‘good people’”?
When people ask me this question, they are insinuating that
I am a “good person”.
What makes them
think that?
The assumption is because I
started and directed an organization for 22 years that has impacted the lives of hundreds of homeless
youth.
But...does that make me “good”?
If you’ve read about the recent substantiated sexual abuse
revelations against Jean Vanier, proclaimed by many as a saint for having started
L’Arche, an organization that has served thousands of disabled individuals all
over the world; you have to ask yourself, “Was he a ‘good person’”?
What makes someone “good”?
Is it their accomplishments or their character?
What about a poor, single mom working two
jobs to provide for her children, who in a moment of desperation shoplifts to
provide her children new clothing so they aren’t made fun of at school for how
they look?
Would you consider her a
“good” or “bad” person?
Please…I am NOT
justifying shoplifting! I’m simply
trying to get us to wrestle with how it is that we evaluate individuals as
“good” or “bad”.
I think it’s time we reevaluate asking the question “Why do
‘bad things’ happen to ‘good people’”?
You got this dave you did your job we all love you
ReplyDeletePowerful word my friend! I needed those words today myself!! Blessings!!
ReplyDeleteWell said my brother. "The rain falls on the righteous and the unrighteous."
ReplyDeleteA very good question to wrestle with, Dave. As for bad things happening, we all have journeys and on these journeys we have many opportunities to follow God’s leading. In my experience, I choose the easier paths and yet, I later realize that so much more would have happened had I followed the tougher challenges before me. There have also been times when I’m so focused on the good things that I miss God’s leadings for these tougher journeys. What I’ve learned is that I need to focus more on Him than on the good things He’s given me to do. It’s only now, in my autumn years, that I don’t want to miss out on any more challenges.
ReplyDeleteWe continue to pray as you move through this hardest journey ever.
Love and hugs,
Ru and Steve
Praying, loving and caring and so very thankful for you and all the family as you share your journey with us. J & J
ReplyDeleteThanks for the continued encouragement.
ReplyDeleteMy sanctity of life beliefs expanded quite a few years ago when I befriended a woman with cancer. God put her in my life for her two remaining years. At one point along her journey, her doctor said there is one more thing we can try. The best she could say was it would give her a couple more months or none at all. My friend called me and said what would you do? What came out of my mouth was a surprise to me. I said I would want to go home, but God may not be done with you! She agreed. She did pass away about two months later and it was only at her memorial that I realized how effective those last two months were. Sitting there listening to the impact she had had on people over the years, a man who identified himself as her recent physician stood up and said that because of her he had come to the Lord. At that point I stood up and told the story of how she chose to live as long as she possibly could so she could use every moment for the Lord. Whenever I'm discouraged about life, I always hope to be reminded of this story. You are making an incredible difference Dave! May God continue to give you courage and strength and healing. Thank you for all you do!
ReplyDeleteAnother great read! Cancer can be such a good tool--horrid as it is. Becasue cancer gets the attention of everyone and listening is better as a result. I am so grateful you are using this new platform to share Jeus.
ReplyDeleteI'm certain there is purpose behind everything that happens in God's great creation! It is only through Faith that we find comfort in the knowledge of this.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for your hardships David, yet know that you have been chosen for a special purpose.
God's purpose for what you are going through is divine. Likely not understood, yet still divine.
It is not as simple as "bad things happening to good people." We may perceive it that way but in truth, we are all in His circle of Love, and everything that happens to any of us is according to a higher purpose that we are unlikely to understand.
Who are we to decide who is good and who his bad. If you wish to ask a question, it may be more appropriate to ask why me? And the answer to that question may be, "because you were chosen by God to fulfill a Godly purpose."
David, I selfishly pray for your recovery, yet know regardless of where life takes us in the future, you are an instrument of God's love for this world.
Mark 10:18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone." I am constantly amazed that God uses imperfect beings to do His perfect will.
ReplyDelete