Why did this week happen? I am no authority on weather. I am no authority on religion. I am no authority on much really, I know a little about business , but I am far from an authority. With the horrific tragedies of life loss and destruction this week in my home state of Alabama, I did get a lot of questions. I know a variety of people - people from all walks of life and beliefs. So it stands to reason that some of those people talked about prayer and a few talked about "why pray at all". I think people ask me questions to hear what answers I may give. They may even ask questions just to get "fired" up by my answers. I really have no idea why I am asked - but I get asked nonetheless.
My answer to why this happened was very simple: "Life happens" Now that answer does not satisfy most and frankly it used to not satisfy me. Nowadays, I use that answer a great deal. One of the people I know asked me "Why did your God kill all of those people?" "Life happens" was my answer. Another person asked me "We must trust in God's plan. He will always be there to protect us, don't you think?" "Life happens ." was all I could say. I have found in my close to 50 years, everyone has an opinion, but no one really knows the answers. I know I do not.
I want to believe that God has a plan. I just do NOT want to believe this week was part of it. I do know that weeks like this may push the true believers closer, but I also know that it rarely draws the non -believers closer. Perhaps it should, but as I said "Life Happens". As I watched the news accounts of storms and the loss of life, I thought back to the weeks past when the earthquake hit Japan. I remember reading stories of people in Japan returning safes of money, returning wallets, returning treasures to the rightful owners. Today, I read where businesses in my home state of Alabama were boarding up the windows to keep out looters. The local police will be setting up curfews to stop even more looting. It made me wonder...sure there are many stories of people helping people in Alabama, but there are way too many stories of human indecencies. When did this happen?
Many people will give me the standard answer of "when God was taken out of the schools" or "when we started living beyond our means" or "when we allowed abortions". All of those thoughts raise emotions and feelings , but none of them answer the question. Japan is not a Christian nation and the looting did not happen there. One may say "that is because the U.S. has let their Christian values falter". Perhaps, but is that the answer? History shows that the U.S. has always had crime and we actually have less NOW than we did in the 1800's when EVERYONE had guns, so perhaps guns are not the answer either. So what is the answer to why this week happened? I don't know why. I do know what will make us all stronger - stop with the attitudes about which way is better and merely act in accordance with what really matters - PEOPLE. Ideology and belief are wonderful things. However, both pale in comparison to action. The action of helping without reward, helping without being concerned with someone getting something for nothing, helping without applause, helping because helping is what YOU should do - merely because it is the Right thing is the RIGHT way.
I think religious folks are having a hard time this week. The "God is watching over us" falls on deaf ears to those that suffered this week - perhaps a new line of thinking must come into play. Sure those that were not hurt or suffered can rejoice and praise - but for those who are no longer on Earth - I wonder what is crossing through their minds? As for us believers that know "Life Happens", we are moving on. Many, many people inquired about my family and our safety. Your thoughfulness is greatly appreciated. Valerie got many more than I did, but I expect that - my answer would be the same either way - "Life happens - until it no longer does". I know of no man who will lose his faith or place in heaven by helping someone through lending a hand and not just telling a story...prayer is great - but a strong back and some water moves trees. "Life happens" or at least it has for ALL of my close to 50 years ....maybe those are just my thoughts and not yours....either way the question remains :"Why did this happen"? If you have an answer let me know....
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