Trying to Understand Atheism

I don't often click on links from my web browser, but I did when one caught my eye with the caption, "25 Hollywood Celebrities You Didn't Know Were Atheists." Well, some on that list surprised me and others just made sense. Some also had misconceptions of what I think faith and religion to be, and others were too wrapped up in their own egos to think that anything or anyone else could be in control.

I know all about free will, but I'm somewhat confused by people who don't believe in God, or rather I want them to at least believe in something. That something should be an acknowledgement that there is more to this world and universe than ourselves regardless of whether it is a holy creator, enlightenment that surpasses our current existence, etc. If one doesn't believe in God, then at least be an agnostic who says he/she doesn't actually know.

I have no problem with science and explanations of how the universe and everything in it were created. Maybe God used the Big Bang Theory, or even evolution. The point is that it had to start somewhere, and I attribute it to God because I  can't explain it otherwise. Atheists go to maybe the point of "how" in order to explain things, but where did the matter or the energy come from to give us the starting point? They don't seem to be bothered with that - I am, and I need to make sense of it.

What I found about the self-proclaimed atheists in the article is that they fail to ask the one question that begins the pursuit of knowledge - Why? People of faith often wonder why with questions such as: Why are we here? Why do bad things happen? Why? Why? Why! It's acceptance of the reality that we don't and can't know everything.

Religion aside, our small, individual, existence does mean something. If it didn't, why would we even be aware of it being finite? If there is nothing greater than us, why don't we use more than a small part of our brain? Why aren't we better to one another? Why is there so much we don't understand? How do we comprehend existence that isn't lineal? There are so many questions, it could make my head hurt!

I accept that one does not have to be a Christian, or for that matter, a believer in God to be a good person and do good things, but I know I'm a better person because of my faith. I also know that I can't look at a beautiful sky or magnificent tree, hear joyous music or see so many wonderful gifts in this world and not believe that something greater than I is responsible.

We will all have the answers someday, but until then, I'll continue to be amazed and confused at (and probably pray for) those who proudly proclaim their atheism.

When Bad Things Happen - The Schlitterbahn Tragedy

I didn’t think I could be more horrified by the tragedy of the 10 year old boy who recently died at the Kansas City Schlitterbahn waterpark until I read the newspaper today. Somehow, knowing the child was decapitated seemed to further increase the shock of this accident.  

My first thought was “that poor child,” and then, of course, my heart ached for the parents. At least for the child, it was over quickly. I was, however, relieved to hear the family’s statement that they are people of faith and believe that they will see their son again. That is often the only comfort to come out of such extreme sadness. But then I realized the pain and anguish of this situation extended even further.

I can only imagine the horror of the two women riding the raft with the boy. Both had injuries, but how could you not be affected for life after experiencing and seeing what they saw? Also, imagine how the designers of the ride must feel. What a terrible thing to live with knowing that you created something so many people enjoyed, but also led to the death of one so innocent.

Three things come to mind: They all need our prayers, life is not guaranteed , and then the age old question of, “Why does God allow things like this to happen?”

The first one is easy to do. The second one reminds us of our own mortality. We ignore it and procrastinate thinking, “we’ll do it later.” But guess what? Later may not occur. If a 10 year old can die in the blink of an eye, what assurance do we have that we will still be on earth in the next day, hour, or even 5 minutes?

I’m thinking a little about the memoirs that our church members are writing for our congregation’s 150^th anniversary. The deadline is November 1, and less than 20 people have taken the time to write something. We’ve already lost some very important people whose lives were integral to our church, but they chose to wait to make their contribution, and we will never have their memoirs to pass on to future generations. One thing that M.S. has taught me is to not procrastinate or at least not as much. I don’t know what I will feel like tomorrow, so if it’s important, I try to do it today.

Now the last part of my thoughts mentioned above relates to the questions: Why did this tragedy occur, and why didn’t God prevent it? I could give the clichéd response that we aren’t meant to live forever, but I think there is much more here to be said.

I hope no one says to the parents that it’s “God’s will,” or even worse, they incorrectly cite Corinthians 10:13 by telling them “God never gives you more than you can handle.” First, that refers to temptation − not all circumstances. Secondly, I don’t believe that God purposely gives bad things to people (Christians believe in the New Testament which doesn’t coincide with the Old Testament that depicts God as one who smites and hardens hearts). 

Romans 8:28 (NIV) tell us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…” If we look at death as a punishment for those who die, then we can’t believe this verse, but if we know that something better awaits us, any “punishment” seems to fall on those left behind.  What is promised, I think, is that God will help us make lemonade out of the lemons because we need meaning to our lives and what happens to us. Life isn't meant to be punishment.

We might rephrase the question, “Why does God let things like this happen?” to “Does God really love us?” That’s what it really comes down to in the end. Ergo, if God loved us, He wouldn’t let this happen.  But when God does let tragedy happen, I must believe He makes it part of a greater good. 

I don’t mean that anything could ever replace the incredible loss that has befallen this family, or any other family who loses a loved one. But I do wonder if God will use this tragedy to protect thousands of others from injury. Perhaps, He is protecting a future president or the person who will ultimately find a cure for cancer. We don’t know what God has in mind, but I’ve learned to trust that whatever it is, He will replace some of the evil in this world with what is good.

2016 - Already My Year to Remember!

Aside from five different health issues since January that ranged from calcium crystals in the ear canal that caused dizziness, to eye infections due to allergens, it's been a monumental year. I'd like to share some of the current and upcoming reasons for which I feel especially blessed.

For the second year in a row, I will have a story printed in the Chicken Soup for the Soul Christmas anthology. This year, the book is titled Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Joy of Christmas, and it is due out October 18. If you've ever been interested in our family's gingerbread creations, I think you'll appreciate the story. This year, there may even be a picture of the one noted in my submission.

Also, another story that is soon to be published is included in the Hometown Memories anthology for northeast Kansas. That story details the heartwarming event where Bill Self gave my late husband the experience of a lifetime while Steve battled terminal cancer. 

Add to the anthologies, this fall will see publication of my first published children's book titled An Afternoon with the Christmas Angel. I will have a short introduction of the book on my webpage in late September. For any parent struggling with the secular and non-secular aspects of the season, it's a fun and educational story to give to children 3 to 10 years old. (A precocious two year old might even enjoy it). Since the business of early childhood was my background, it's about time I published a  children's book!

Now if I add these soon to be released works to my story included in the mystery anthology of Murder at the Liberty Ballroom: Anthology of mystery, thrillers and suspense, it explains how some of my time has been spent this year. 

In a few weeks, I'll introduce you to a wonderful memoir written by a friend, and for which I served as editor. It's a fascinating book from someone who worked for Billy Graham, served as an early Regional Director for Habitat for Humanity, smuggled Bibles behind the Iron Curtain, and much more. Even if I weren't the editor, I would recommend this entertaining and enlightening book to everyone! It's titled A Journey Worth Taking: God, M.S. and Me.

In July, my son and I submitted a patent application for a new type of adult walker. It is nothing like anything currently available and it is a vast improvement. I am hopeful that this will be a benefit to many people and enable me to maybe become a better philanthropist.

So what does all this mean? It is simply evidence of how blessed I am! Romans 12:16 (NIV) states:
⁶ We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us." I thank God that He has helped me to identify mine and given me the opportunity to use them to do a little good in this world, now and in the future. I don't have any delusions of grandeur; I know where my inspiration and talents originate. God gets the credit - I'm just fortunate to be the vessel!