Tragedy In Life

One of the most tragic things I have ever heard of happened back in May of 2008. The teenage son of the Christian artist Steven Curtis Chapman was returning home when he struck and killed one of his younger adopted sisters with the vehicle he was driving as she ran to greet him. His parents, older brother and two other adopted sisters were all close by and were left in shocked horror as this sad story unfolded. How and why? They were a tight knit family with a strong faith in God, why would God choose to take away one of their beloved daughters in this manner? Especially one who expressed a strong desire to know God? 

The Lord's ways are not our ways; we do not see the total picture of life, only God can! But we do see the impact God has on our lives and the lives of others and we trust that what he does is for our good, no matter how devastating it seems at the time! Our suffering actually brings us closer to God as we depend on Him for comfort and help getting through life's trials!

The Chapman family must have felt a lot like Job from the Old Testament, who lost everything, his wealth, his family, and even his health, but never gave up his faith in God. Neither he nor Ezekiel who lost his wife, cursed God or felt any hate towards Him, their attitude was one of understanding "that to have God was to have everything"! Steven and his family did not blame their son, but just as Job did, they embraced their sorrow and held on even tighter to God and each other! In time they were able to share their loss and grief with the world and in doing so, offered help and comfort to others feeling the pain of loss. They are now confident that their little princess is with Jesus in Heaven just as she wanted to be!

As a memorial to their precious child, they all got tattoos! The lesson here is one of trusting the Lord in all our circumstances, whether good or bad and being able to show more compassion and mercy toward others by doing so. Steven wrote the song “Cinderella” which was dedicated to her memory; we all have our ways of dealing with loss and sorrow. Over the years since this tragic loss, the Lord has blessed and strengthened Steven Curtis Chapman and his family! His story is truly an amazing one of faith, hope and love! 

Amazing insight by George Carlin

Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent...and so very appropriate. 

A Message by George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

If you don't share this with anyone....Who cares?

George Carlin