What to do?

I’ve been doing a lot of teaching lately—bible studies, forums, classes, devotions, etc. I love it. It’s my favorite part, outside of youth ministry and visitations, that is. I like thinking of ways to engage the text and topic in new ways. I enjoy gathering with them in a circle (a new format for some) and facilitating discussion. I am glad to know I learn as they learn.

But recently, I have been faced with some interesting thoughts during these teaching sessions. Here are two examples for you.

Yesterday we got on the topic of suffering and death—not an uncommon topic for many of these groups. One woman in her 80s was sharing how hard it has been to have lost her son. She ended her comments by saying, “But I guess this is just God testing me.” The other group members agreed in unison. Before I could jump in and say something, another woman, also in her 80s, commented about how she lost her sister when she was very young. She said “the thing that has gotten me through” was a “token” someone told her at the funeral. That person said, “God wanted extra ‘flowers’ in his ‘garden,’ and so he chose (Louise) because she was extra special and beautiful.”

WHAT?! Why would God do that? What kind of God do we believe in?

Once again, I was ready to jump in and say something…but I couldn’t.

What do you say to someone that has made sense of their story for 60+ years with these anecdotes—as unfair as they might be? They believe it is the truth. Is it right to call them out on it in a group setting such as this? How do you exercise fairness and honesty while being patient and delicate? Do sayings such as these benefit us?

Some things to ponder today. Hmmmm...What do you think?

Your friend--
HGJ