I recently read of a woman; Who full of fear, pain and depression was begging her daughter to send for Dr. Jack Kevorkian. Apparently she knew that her body, ravaged by Multiple Sclerosis, would never again allow her any recovery. Her daughter, on the other hand, was in equal mental torment, struggling to convince her mother that she should continue to live. It was overwhelming to the daughter; the task of persuading her mother that life was worth living. She being convinced that her mother still had much to offer her family. How does one convince a loved one that they, despite their condition, are worth more alive than dead? In the situation related above, it could be an almost impossible task. From their view point, 'reality' is different. But it should also be considered biased. Conceivably the sufferers pain is so great they cannot see how truly valuable they are. How does this happen? Perhaps their perception of ‘Value’ has been tainted bye a long life of misunderstanding of how to measure value. Especially in a society which equates value with beauty, productivity and some vague ideal of “quality”. We are told, “We should allow people to ‘die with dignity’”. But what are we saying when this is proposed? That somehow it is less dignified to suffer than to not suffer. That “Mom, it is ignoble and degraded, to allow others to feed you or to change your diaper. That when we have to do this. You are less than human. Something more on the order of ‘vegetable’. You know mom, undignified.” I do not believe that pain and suffering should be the deciding factors of a persons feeling of self worth. But there is a whole school of thought that reinforces such notions. Dr. Kevorkian, with his allies, are continually communicating that; ‘Yes, your life is worthless, if that is your opinion, and you are restricted and suffering’. A Response So, how do we respond to these things? With the truth. ‘Man has Inherent Dignity’. This cannot be diminished bye circumstance . His dignity can only be diminished bye his response to circumstances. It is only when men act out of fear, selfishness, hate, prejudice and the like, that men can be removed from the lofty status that God has given them. Consequently, we in our worst situation, have inherent dignity which is envied by the rest of God’s creation. Some say, and I have thought, a severe case of Alzheimer’s would be the most terrible thing that could happen to me. I would hate to have it, and as the saying goes, 'I would not wish it on an enemy'. But if those that have it, have a reputation for love, gentleness and goodness, no matter what the Alzheimer’s patient end’s up doing, the family will not hold it against them. Neither will they wish their parent dead. Yes they might believe that the person would be better off dead, but they intuitively know that it would be wrong to wish such a thing, or to suggest this to their parent. Why? Because; No one really desires to die. They want to hold on to life. They want to have hope. They want to have their children need them, and want them no matter what. But if, while they are suffering, they do not perceive any good that may come from their lives; and they sense they have not value in their family, and they have the wrong sense of what is 'dignity', they will choose the path, which seems to them, the only alternative; which is usually death. But I ask you; What is so dignified about a persons death; to believe they cannot contribute anything else in life? This is not dignity. Ideally In proposing the Ideal I, realize that some will respond to following with the negative: “Maybe in a perfect world”. Or, “No one is that perfect”. Or, “ This is all fanciful”. But I assure you, what follows is not a fantasy nor does it require perfection. In fact, I have seen and known some who have responded in these ways. Consider these possibilities: 1. It is possible for people to face suffering without fear. 2. It is possible for people to face suffering without depression. 3. It is possible for people to find some good in anything they face. 4. It is possible for people to do good while they are suffering. Think for a moment; What if we could have confidence that these four things were possible? Wouldn't it change our whole outlook on suffering, and the value of life whe? (or even while young for that matter) Let’s look at each statement by themselves. #1. God tells us not to fear (Matt.10:28-31). He tell us that we should only fear Him. It is all right to fear a good God. Because any correction He gives us, is done lovingly. We can rest in His care, knowing that our lives are in good hands. But, what if those who suffer, have not learned this confidence? They must begin immediately. If they will not or they now cannot. They should be pitied. #2. Biological depression can be helped through medication. However, depression that is brought about bye feeling sorry for one’s self:, can only be cured bye first admitting that such depression is wrong and secondly, accepting suffering as a part of life. With Fear and Depression nothing is tolerable. Without the factors of Fear and Depression anything is tolerable. If someone will not, or have come to a place that they cannot escape depression. They should be pitied. #3.The Bible says that ‘all things [can] work for good’. (Rom.8:28) But some have not gotten close enough to God To find out how this is possible. Instead they have a history of only fighting any perceived “evil” that comes along; Often accusing God for it. But for the true believer, suffering is a doorway into a new and exciting communication with God. For He always meets with those and helps those that seek Him. If someone will not, or comes to a point where they now cannot see this opportunity, what is left for them is only pity. #4. The Bible tells us that this life is a preparation for the next. (Matt.25:14-46, 2 Cor. 5:10) Our character and how we face life is very important to God. It is also important to demonstrate a high standard and Sober response to suffering to those that we are capable of influencing. We can, at the very least, be an example of someone that has found God’s peace. Thereby convincing others of God's reality, and care for His own. However if we stubbornly refuse to seek God and insist, with subjective unreasonableness, that ‘God should not allow this to happen’; or we have come to a place so we cannot learn these things; We should be pitied Quote: "For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: For a living dog is better than a dead lion." Ecc.9:4
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