Well, its been about a week since the last post, thanks for all the positive feedback on facebook! I didn't plan on publishing that originally, I just wrote it as a diary entry for myself. Thanks for reading it.
I wanted to keep the blog updated, and from time to time I'll post some of my older writings. This was an assignment that I had to do for my humanities class in college, 11 years ago (wow I'm getting old!) We had to write, in the style of the Bible, a message to a good friend who we were trying to comfort. Someone like Job in the Old Testament, who was a good man, devoted to God who did no wrong, but was going through an unspeakable tragedy. Basically this required a lot of symbolism, particularly of things in nature, and writing in the couplet writing scheme.
As a kid I went to a Presbyterian church, but I am not religious, i believe in the scientific, logical explanations for pretty much everything. Who knows if there is some sort of force or other being out there that we can not yet understand, or if over time we will be able to answer everything scientifically. But I think it is important to at least study the Bible even if you don't believe everything in it, just as it is important for a Christian to try to understand the scientific explanations or even other theologies... to try to be aware of others viewpoints and then draw their own conclusions. It seems like today most of us have modified religion to fit our lifestyles. I think what most people get out of it now is the sense of a higher purpose. (I don't think there are many people who believe in stoning someone for working on a Sunday anymore--look it up, its in there!) A feeling that everything happens for a reason, and a feeling of community and comfort. I can understand that. If there is so much suffering in the world and no explanation, well that just isn't a good thought is it? Anyway, we studied a few books of the Bible in this class and had some very good discussions. My favorite word choice was "ungodly" line in #4....
Just know that I am sorry.
2 I have no answers to your questions;
This tragedy is beyond explanation.
3 Know that none of this is your fault;
You could do nothing to prevent this.
4 Your pure skin has been pierced by a poisoned sword;
This blade has caused ungodly, indomitable pain.
5 You do not deserve any of this suffering;
No man should be forced to endure this.
6 You are a good man and you are suffering;
What once was light is now dark.
7 Throughout time, many things have remained inexplicable;
The good man has suffered while the evil man has prospered.
8 Our understanding of such things is barren;
Like the vast deserts of the world.
9 Know this--the sun will shine again;
Illuminating the valley of darkness.
10 The tree may have been cut down;
But its roots will continue to grow.
11 Persevering through this time;
Will make you stronger in the end.
12 Swords will cease to pierce you;
Instead, they will glance harmlessly off.
13 I know not if there is a God;
How could he allow such a thing to happen?
14 You are the most loving and ethical person I know;
A large shadow has been cast over God’s clear skies.
15 If someone had to endure this, why not the evil man?
The man whose crime went unpunished?
16 If there is a God responsible for this tragedy,
Why didn’t the man who cursed thee suffer?
17 Do not be afraid to question your beliefs;
For they did not prevent this tragedy.
18 If you believe in a God, demand an answer from him;
Demand your day in court to be heard.
19 You deserve to be answered in full;
Your kindness, love, and honesty were not rewarded.
20 If there is anything you need my friend;
I will be there for you, always.
KDA 2000
