Ermz

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

Why does GOD Allow People to Suffer?

As most of you are aware they way we get to know one another is by getting to know his or her ‘story’. Which is what we (my co-workers and I) do during the duration of work. We discuss anything and everything while working; from how long we slept last night; to what kind of music we each listen too; to family and friends.

Last night was a little different we discussed a topics slightly more serious death, angels and ghosts. A strange topic to be discussed during work if you ask me! However, it got us through the night. One question that was posed was “why do we suffer on Earth?” This caught me by surprise; okay my heart skipped a beat, maybe two. I wasn’t sure on how to approach this topic so I just explained what I believed.

As the night progressed I continued to think about the question. For those who know me well enough know that I analyse everything possible. This is what I came up with:

Why does God Allow People to Suffer? The question of why God allows people to suffer is an age-old question for those who believe in him. Why does He put his followers through tests of faith and continue to let them suffer with what seems of no relief in sight? The Bible tells us in Revelations 21:4 that there is coming a time when sorrow, tears, pain, and death will pass away. There will be this day when God will wipe away all tears from the eyes of His children, and their sorrow will end forever. However, at the present time, humans must face the undeniable fact that people do suffer. It’s a fact of life. Sickness, sorrow and suffering are in all walks of life. At this very moment a person can probably think of a handful of others who are suffering greatly. It just doesn’t seem fair. What might possibly be the method to His madness? One can never know for certain until death when they encounter their creator, or possibly when they don’t. But until then, there is always speculation.

According to the Bible, when God created man everything was perfect. There was no pain or suffering that came upon Adam and Eve. Only when they disobeyed God did Adam have to work hard to grow food and Eve has to feel labour pains during birth (Genesis 2-3). It is here that the investigating shall begin. In Genesis 3:14-19, God informs Adam and Eve the consequences of their decision to disobey Him. He says, in short, that they would now experience sorrow and death as the price of disobeying Him. This fall is the reason why people born into the Christian faith receive Baptism, with hopes to purify a child, or in some cases themselves, from this original fall, or sin, and start anew with God. It is the Christian belief that humans are all born with a sin nature and that we inherited it from Adam and Eve.

Romans 5:12 states this belief saying, “Therefore, as by one man sin entered the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Again in Romans it says that all have sinned and come short to the glory of God (3:23). Using these passages one can use the Christian logic to come up with the answer- we suffer because we are sinners by nature. But what is the point of this suffering? If man is sinful by nature, then something must be wrong in the design, right? Well, perhaps this suffering occurs because God is trying to show man that something is wrong. If there is a child who has a consistent bad habit, will not the child’s parent continually punish him until he learns not to do the habit anymore? Something must be wrong because if there was not, then there would be no suffering or death as was in the Garden of Eden right after man’s creation, according to the Bible. Perhaps God is being a parent, or Father as Jesus put it, and giving man a swift slap on the rear in order to help teach him not to do what he did again.

Another such reason for suffering might be to help direct one of His flock back to the faith. There have been countless tragedies where people turned back to God because they feared Him. Just recently after the World Trade Centre tragedy, churches and temples across the nation were filled to capacity—and not just for funerals. People turned back to God out of fear and turned to Him for answers so that He might be able to help them. When things are going good, few people turn to God and say thank you. Would the leper in Matthew 8:2 go see Jesus if he was fine and dandy? What about the blind man in Luke 18:35? Would he have had such strong faith in God’s word if he were able to see like his peers? Only when they fear or are in a time of help do they turn to their creator. It is these examples from the Bible as well as observations in the current world that help prove this.

God may sacrifice a few who have served their main purpose in life and are ready to met Him for the benefit of others so that they may also be able to look Him in the face. Another reason why people suffer could be because they choose to follow God and may or may not have chosen to believe in Jesus Christ a prime example is the Jews who suffered in the Holocaust, and countless other times, for their religion. While there were other reasons than just being Jewish for the Holocaust, it was the religion that became the ‘bull’s eye’ upon their backs. Yet, the Jews did not abandon their faith. Their Strong faith saw them through their trails. But why would God allow such pain for His followers? “Blessed are you who when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of things against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:11). It is said in the Bible that these people will be the first God looks upon in His kingdom, so He does not forget about them entirely. He makes up in heaven for their sufferings here.

What about those who are not disobedient followers of God? There are countless of faithful Christians who suffer every day, yet may be the sweetest saints one can meet? Why is it that all the bad things happen to the good people while the wicked get away ‘scott free’? One reason could be to a make them stronger. The Apostle Paul, who had a strong faith in God and didn’t live a sinful life, writes in his letters that he too suffered. Why would he have to if he followed God with all his heart? He say in 2 Corinthians 12:7, “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.” Reading further, he begged the God to remove the thorn and God refused, but gave him His grace to endure it.

Sometimes God might see the need to push someone a bit to help them develop more or to toughen them up so that they can go on and be adept at dealing with problems and situations that might be coming in the future (things happen for a reason – read below). There is a song that goes “onward Christian soldiers.” Using that analogy, perhaps God allows some things to happen to good people so that they will be become tougher and able to handle more than they were able to before. He is the drill sergeant for His soldiers, getting them through the boot camp that is life.

Another reason for the suffering of good people might be to teach patience. With Job, God allowed the Devil to his animals, servants, children, and health. Yet, Job was still the good follower and did not go against his God. Because of this, God gave back everything and then some back to Job (Job 42:10-17). Good things come to those who wait, and perhaps when one sees the reward, it was worth the wait. This would teach the follower, along with others who witnessed it, not to question God’s ways, as one never knows what the reason is behind them.

All the suggested reasons for why God allows suffering can be seen in the Bible and by just looking around and watching people in the world today. Whether or not they are accurate one can never know unless described by God Himself, and that is highly unlikely. Man will continue to search for a concrete answer as to why God, if He ‘truly loves His creation’, allows it to experience pain and suffering while they cry out to Him. Perhaps if man knew the reason why, he would abuse it and manipulate it to his advantage. Perhaps man’s mind is not able to fully understand why and the meaning behind it. And, perhaps sometimes some things are meant to be unknown.

Tuesday, May 24, 2005

Worse day - the day I realized I lost a couple of my true friends

A year and half has passed and I feel all the emotions I felt on that tragic day. The worse day of my life would seem like nothing compared to the jolt I had that day. The day, I realized that I had lost two of my closest friends. No, I didn’t lose them to death but by being a horrible friend. Like a flower that slowly wilts away so did our friendship due to no tender care; there was no loyalty, honesty and a lack of trust.

I was one of those people who weren’t sure who I really was, didn’t know what I wanted in life, nor did I value what others were sacrificing and doing for me. Like most teens I attended school as far as possible to get away from home and to have some freedom. What I didn’t know was what would result once I opened up. I was able to be who I really am. I experienced something I thought was unattainable, ‘true friendship’.

I lost contact with these individuals over the years all do to one incident. I believed that cruelty had set in and that I had lost respect. What I didn’t realize was what they were really doing for me. These individuals were being were TRUE FRIENDS. It took me quite some time to finally distinguish what ingredients make up a friend. Friendship is not a one-way street but 2-lane highway.

A Definition of a friend, friendship is not simply a "relationship", knowing someone, conversing with that person, or dealing with that person in business, school, or in casual acquaintance. True friendship is not just a "relationship", but self-sacrificing love. A friend is also one who supports, sympathizes, and is a person in whom you can confide.

There are unique qualities that a person must have to be considered a friend. An acquaintance is not automatically considered a friend. Just because you know someone does not mean there is an instant friendship. This does not mean that an acquaintance cannot change into a valued friendship. There are qualities that a friend must have, but time is also a factor. A friendship can develop in as short as a day, or it could take as long as a few years for full development. In the end, if time is taken for full development, then a real friendship will develop. The main way that trust is built up is with time. When you and a friend have trust, there will usually be a strong friendship. When there is no time spent together, then there will be a lack of trust in the friendship, and it could weaken.

To have a friend you must be a friend. This is something that I had lost. Friends should support each other at all times. In anything friends do, they should respect each other's opinions and support each other. Not only must friends be supportive of one another, there should also be a sympathetic tone when needed. Friends should not only listen, but also understanding needs to take place, as well as help. When a friend is in need, you are waiting for him as he would be waiting for you. If a friend is not sympathetic and aware of your needs, then there is a weak friendship. Each should know his friend's goals, needs, and wants. If these things are not known, then there is a weak relationship. Friends should set goals together to help develop a strong relationship. They can even help each other along the way. One person's weakness could be another friend's strength. A person needs to be loved, and that is what a friend does.

A friend needs to be respected as well as loved. Not only should a friend's needs be fulfilled, but also certain wants. A friend wants a person who will listen, love, and show respect, just as anybody would. A friend is also loyal and trustworthy. When friends talk to one another, it is known that the conversation should just be between them, especially if it is personal to either of them. Neither person should share any of the information with someone else. That is just like invading someone's privacy when you repeat something that a friend tells you without permission. You should be able to confide in and trust your friend.

What is friendship? It is a reciprocal love of one person for another, which is disinterested. It is a love that does not look for anything in return for the love given, and finds happiness in promoting the interests and happiness of the other. Such a love warms the heart, thrills the mind, and urges the friend to give everything for the other, just as Christ does for us--and leads to happiness in this world while pointing to God, who, Himself, is Love.

The formation and maintenance of a satisfactory friendship is an interpersonal achievement built upon a foundation of interpersonal skills. Some of these skills are also skills that contribute to social success in the broader sense of peer acceptance; others are specific to the requirements of friendship. A friend should be trustworthy, loyal, courteous, kind, helpful, and friendly. These important qualities should be looked for in a friend. Though all the qualities are hard to find in one person, it is still possible to get a majority of them.

Its true what they say about not knowing what you have until its gone. Over the course of the last few years these individuals have never slipped my mind. If anything they have made me stronger, more appreciative and more sincere.

God Bless them and all my friends.

Monday, May 23, 2005

Graduation ....

Many of you are preparing for Graduation in the next few weeks. For all of you this is just the beginning, which is why they call it commencement. It is not because graduation is the end but the beginning of a new life, a new journey, and a new level on that video game to challenge.

Many say reach high for the stars but why should you. With a university and/or college education those stars should be found within yourselves. So I tell you this, look deep within you, that’s where the path to success is found. You are a child of God. You are all meant to shine, as children do. You were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in EVERYONE. And as you let your own light shine, you unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As you are liberated from your own fear, your presence automatically liberates others.

I attended College first and many of you are probably reading this and are well aware that I didn’t attend the graduation ceremony. Something I am not too fond of. As a result I have speculated what it would have been like to walk across that platform and collect my diploma and say ‘yes, I finally did it’. I missed that but I feel God gave me something I never really asked for, yet he knew I needed. He gave me faith and confidence, and the mind to know what to do with it.

You see, the biggest contradiction I have noticed so far is the stress that is put on the big things in life when it is really all the little things scattered in between when I find I’m most happy. It’s those seemingly insignificant, random pieces of time that have kept me going throughout the crazies thrown at us as and they keep me laughing, smiling, and moving on. Whether it’s playing Dutch Blitz and focusing on getting that next Blitz, chatting and profile-snooping on MSN, or hearing a pointless story told from a friend--it’s those little moments of carefree smiling that I feel get overlooked.

With Core classes, chapel this, alpha that, volleyball or soccer practice here, yearbook deadline there, senate meeting going up, singing voices coming down, and time ticking all in between, it’s no wonder we students have been rushing through the motions of our ritualistic postsecondary lives. By the time we make it home or to the dorms, create time for dinner, toss a wave to the roomies, parents and/or spouses, and start our homework, the days begin to blur into nights and before you know it there goes the gross alarm reminding you it is time again.

Seriously, I know you can relate. You AREN’T lazy and you DO care. You EACH have such a diverse range of talents and interests that your involvement ranges from youth group activities and part time work to theatre rehearsals and basketball practice. One can rush through such endless cycles for only so long. Keep this pace up for the rest of your life, and soon enough, you’ll run yourself into the ground!

I mentioned before, it is those little things in life that appear purposeless on the surface but which I rely on throughout each day to carry me as I continue to look at life in an optimistic way. It’s fully enjoying the very little moments that allow me to be efficient with the future BIG ones. Even if its running around with the mascots head on your head, sliding down stair poles, and even running into that wall that you swear just appeared out of nowhere. Every experience is here to teach us more fully how to be who we really are.

Even though graduation is a big step to the next level or however you wish to describe it, I don’t have enough toes to count how many times I heard people say “mannn, graduation is so long and boring.” I’m pretty sure I was one of those people. But, in reality, this is what YOU have all worked so hard for. It will be your graduation ceremony. Those are your friends walking across the stage. It will be your time to smile and be proud of all you have accomplished. Sure it’s long, sure you have tons of kids in your class, but stare at everyone’s shoes or something. Laugh it up at the kid who is wearing flip-flops. Chuckle at the girl who is only 5’1” and takes 5 strides for each of your 2. Er, wait, that’s me and I’m not graduating. Enjoy the moment. Don’t rush through those motions. Its a significant event and you won’t re-live it again. It does deserve grins, laughter, and an optimistic attitude.

Life will run you by if you don’t take time to enjoy all the small things. And remember, it’s those little things that make life funny. People should laugh at most of the things in life, cry at a few, and be neutral at hardly anything.



Open your eyes and look around you,
Cherish the things you have today.
Your lives will never be the same,
The years will quickly pass away.

Be an example you'll be proud of,
One who's thoughtful and who's kind.
Always put your best foot forward,
Friendships "true" are hard to find.

This Chapter in your life now ends,
Another one's about to start.
The rewards in Life are greatest,
When you reach within your heart.

Whether you are making millions
Or sharing your last dime,
Enjoy Life to its fullest,
Its "Golden Moments Spent in Time.

One final note, I have learned and been awakened by many thoughts but here are two that have inspired me:

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” ~ Mother Teresa

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” ~Dr. Seuss

Guys, I thank you. It has been an honor to known you all. Good luck. Now, I am going to make like MSN Messenger and sign off with an L-O-L.
Ciao.
Erma, Ermz, Ermie, Ermelinda.

Sunday, May 22, 2005

Everything has a purpose

Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there…to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson or help figure out who you are or who you want to become. You never know who these people may be but you lock eyes with them, you know that very moment that they will affect your life in some profound way.
 And sometimes things happen to you at the time that may seem horrible, painful and unfair, but in reflection you realize that without overcoming those obstacles you would never realize your potential, strength, will power or heart.
Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means of luck. Illness, love, lost moments of true greatness and sheer stupidity all occur to test limits of your soul.
 Without these small tests, life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere safe and comfortable but dull and utterly pointless.
The people you meet affect your life. The successes and downfalls that you experience can create whom you are, and the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact they are probably the most poignant and important ones. If someone hurts you, betrays you or breaks your heart, forgive them because they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious to whom you open your heart.
If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but also because they are teaching you to love and open your heart and eyes to little things. Make every day count. Appreciate everything that you possibly can, for you may never experience it again.
 Talk to people whom you have never talked to before, and actually listen. Let yourself fall in love, break free and set your sights high. Hold you head up because you have every right to.
Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself, for if you don't believe in yourself, no one else will believe in you. Create you own life and then go out and live it.

This is new

Hello Everyone,

I am trying this thing. Apparently its the new thing, you know the new in..lol.

I have decided to take up the challenge so here it is.