God is With Us

I am often asked why God allows bad things to happen.  This question of theodicy sits on the heart of grieving parents, the mind of a person who spouse was unfaithful, and on the lives of victims of violence and terrorism.  We live in a world where bad things happen every day.  Evil is present and sin abounds.  I struggle to understand why car accidents kill innocent people, why parents forsake their gay children, why sitters abuse those in their care, or why people kidnap, steal and kill.   13 years ago today, I stood huddled around a small TV in the student lounge of Duke Divinity School.  An occasional gasp or loud sob were the only sounds that broke the silence, as I stood with my classmates and wondered:   What? Why?  How? 

The truth is that I don’t know.  I don’t know.  I could attempt to explain evil and suffering and my words would fall short.  My understanding of a loving, compassionate God invites me to not answer the “whys” of life and to focus on the presence of God.  Throughout scripture, we read of God’s promise to be with us always.  The very God who knit us together in our mother’s womb promises to never leave or forsake us.  The God who calls us by name and knows the number of hairs on our head promises to be with us even ‘til the end of the age.  The God whose son was birthed into the world and called Emmanuel; God with us is the same God that through the power of the Holy Spirit we will never leave us orphaned or alone.  God in God’s great love for humanity is with us always.

St. Paul’s Chapel, an Episcopal Church was located just beyond the wreckage of 9/11.  This very building became home to rescue and relief workers for months following the tragedy.  This little chapel opened its doors and allowed the presence of God to breathe all over New York City through gifts of hospitality and a space of rest for those responding to the tragedy.   Massage therapist, musicians, podiatrist, counselors, and others with varied skills and gifts came to offer support to and help.  The walls became filled with posters and cards from all over the world expressing prayers and love.   In the midst of loss and devastation, God was there.  As they retell their story today, God is present. 

On days like today, I choose to remind myself of God’s eternal love and presence and to allow God’s presence to over shadow and overcome the questions of ‘why.’  I know that at the heart of every accident, every tragedy, and every act of terrorism there is a God of love in the midst of the people providing healing and wholeness.  And I have learned that as I focus on God’s love, I am able to choose love and start to overcome evil with good.