September 11, 2007

My God, My God, Why…?

When something tragic happens, often one of the first words spoken is, “My God.” Sometimes it’s asked as a question: “My God, Why?” If you’ve said that, you’re in good company. Jesus said it while hanging on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

I’ve said it on more than one occasion. When my father-in-law was killed unexpectedly, I said it. When Anna was stillborn, I said it.

Our whole nation said it collectively on 9/11/01, and many are still saying it today, six years later.

Understanding evil is too complex. Understanding God is just as complex. The Bible tells us all we need to know, but not all we want to know. I’ve got way more questions than answers. In life there is joy, and in life there is grief. Some people get more of one than the other, and it doesn’t seem fair.

Before heading off to seminary in 2000, I lived in Mobile, AL where I was born and raised. One of my mentors at First Baptist North Mobile was my pastor Ed Litton. While I was in college. God used him to stoke a fire for God that was blazing within me.

Pastor Ed also led Tiffany and me in premarital counseling when we were but naive youngsters about to make a lifelong commitment that we knew nothing about. One thing about him that made a huge impression on me was how much he adored his wife. He flat out cherished her.

That’s why when I heard the news a few weeks ago that his precious bride was killed in car collision, I couldn’t help but say, “My God, Why?”

Ed is also a blogger, and over the last few weeks, he has written honestly and beautifully about his wife, about his fear, about his faith, and about his grief. I highly recommend reading his blog.