Its NOT FAIR

I have been struggling lately.

Struggling with the 'unfairness' of life.

Not struggling with the 'unfairness' of my life.

But struggling with the 'unfairness' of the battles of those around me.

It is NOT FAIR that my nephew, Jon, is dying from cancer.

It is NOT FAIR that his wife, my niece Dustine, has to deal with everything that cancer delivers to a family.

It is NOT FAIR that Jon's sweet mother, Shelia, has to watch her son's struggle against the nasty side effects of cancer and its treatment.

It is NOT FAIR that my sister, Linda, and her husband, Ron, have to feel helpless to stop the pain and terror of their children and grandchildren.

It is NOT FAIR that precious Nik, Sam, Kiesha, Syaira, and Lilah have their lives scarred by cancer.

It is NOT FAIR.

How many times have we told our children "Life is not fair. Get used to it."

We are really very prideful, I am very prideful, to think we deserve fairness.

If we really got what we deserved, I don't think we'd be so happy.

This week, a co-worker was talking to me about "Strong & Courageous". She mentioned Elizabeth Edwards and how Ms. Edwards couldn't understand how a loving God could allow for suffering. How a loving God could allow for 16 year old children to be killed in car accidents. And I responded that I understood those questions. My goodness, I have certainly asked those very same 'how did this happen' and 'why me' questions. Many many times.

But the answer is that life is bigger than 'this'. That 'this' is not all there is. Because, really, if 'this' is all there is, what's the end? Think about it. Really. And if there is nothing more, after death, how strange is that?

What is the end? Is there an end?

There IS an end...to this part. But life goes on...our decisions today determine exactly where that life goes on...but it does go on.

Think about it.

Really.

Strength & Courage Keeps On

Strong & Courageous is growing.

I so want the book to be of help to others, and it is being placed in locations where that will happen!

It has been purchased for the Clackamas County Employees' Assistance Library.

It has been given to cancer survivors.

It has been given to cancer fighters.

God is at work, and it is my honor and privilege to be a part of what is happening.

I think I am beginning to see part of the purpose of my breast cancer...