This was well written. Well thought out. My initial instinct (other than the sorrow for the patients you described) was two concepts. One verse and one context.
Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16 basically saying that all scripture is “God-breathed.” So if God breathed that into Paul, why did God choose to do that?
Context: The original Greek word used in Romans 5 was just broad enough to mean a few things but persecution was one of the meanings. And Paul spoke on this subject more than the other translations of this word.
Paul was speaking specifically of suffering for spreading the gospel message. Not grief. Not loss (other than losing Jesus). But suffering in martyrdom.
Lastly: I still believe that our spirit requires hope like our lungs require oxygen. And the perspective of hope, even if it’s that they will see this person again one day and in no pain, may just be enough to help them through this time.
Even in the worst of the worst, we must offer hope. In some form. I have now had two suicides close to me in the last 4 days. Those left behind come to me because I’m a counselor and a church leader. I just find a way to provide hope in the suffering. It’s all I have.
Richard, you write so eloquently about the cancer ward that I walk two days under the pressure that it happened to somebody in your family. I reread it. Yes, a lot of tragedy around us. A lot of pain. Physical suffering. I am of very old age, so close to it. I try to live my last years as productively as I can. I am not religious, and I am spiritually ready to accept my end.
No Matter the Matter
By KRG
Luv will help one carry on
Before it does it may depend on the circumstance
Although the heart may harden
Luv can break through
With one step one day at time
Going forward
In the end luv brings healing
Then you step into the realm of
Determination
Whether it be physical, mental
Or both combined
Luv conquers all
It helps you carry on
No matter the matter
Oooh Luv hurts
This I know
Carry on
Thanks Richard. I edited it a bit. Sometimes words move so fast through my head I forget to proofread before I release.
This was well written. Well thought out. My initial instinct (other than the sorrow for the patients you described) was two concepts. One verse and one context.
Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16 basically saying that all scripture is “God-breathed.” So if God breathed that into Paul, why did God choose to do that?
Context: The original Greek word used in Romans 5 was just broad enough to mean a few things but persecution was one of the meanings. And Paul spoke on this subject more than the other translations of this word.
Paul was speaking specifically of suffering for spreading the gospel message. Not grief. Not loss (other than losing Jesus). But suffering in martyrdom.
Lastly: I still believe that our spirit requires hope like our lungs require oxygen. And the perspective of hope, even if it’s that they will see this person again one day and in no pain, may just be enough to help them through this time.
Even in the worst of the worst, we must offer hope. In some form. I have now had two suicides close to me in the last 4 days. Those left behind come to me because I’m a counselor and a church leader. I just find a way to provide hope in the suffering. It’s all I have.
Thanks for this essay. Much in life turns out to exist without straight lines at all. It helps to be honest about it.
Sending strength for you all.
This kicked me in the gut, Richard.
🙏
Richard, you write so eloquently about the cancer ward that I walk two days under the pressure that it happened to somebody in your family. I reread it. Yes, a lot of tragedy around us. A lot of pain. Physical suffering. I am of very old age, so close to it. I try to live my last years as productively as I can. I am not religious, and I am spiritually ready to accept my end.