Respecting Life

This has been a very difficult week-and-a-half, and I finally have the chance to talk about it.  First off, a friend and Fraternity Brother, Jodi Price, along with her husband Jeremy, were killed on Sunday, April 2nd, as a result of a tornado that hit their home in West Tennessee.  I attended the funeral last Thursday, where more than 300 people paid their respects.  Around 20 Brothers, mostly from Jodi's Chapter at UT-Martin, were present.  The primary feelings for the week were shock and dismay, especially given the fact that this involved the loss of two young people who had entire lives ahead of them.  Funerals are always difficult situations, especially when those being remembered are younger than you.

 

If you would like to make a contribution in their name, please let me know.  Something is being organized by some of Jodi's Chapter Brothers involving a donation to UT-Martin's scholarship fund, I believe.

 

The trip to Tennessee provided me the opportunity to see my parents and grandparents, who are all doing well.  Unfortunately, Nashville and surrounding counties experienced severe weather last Friday, culminating in several tornadoes that killed 12 people and cause significant property damage throughout.  Luckily, none of my family or acquaintances were harmed.

 

Trying to think of a meaningful observation, I am reminded of the struggle we all have with faith.  Honestly, I do not question the decision of God to take my friend and her husband, nor create harm for so many others.  Free will leads to the choices that create the circumstances that result in our fate.  The Lord provides guidance and love, but from time to time, we intersect those reminders of his power that are far from pleasant.  Those points of intersection are the result of the lives we choose to that point.  I know Jodi and Jeremy are in heaven now, as are all of those who perished in the storms this past week.  A minister at the funeral made mention of the better world awaiting them there, and we must take solace that this is the truth, and that they will enjoy their eternity.

 

Naturally, events like this allow us to gain perspective on life and its fragility and importance.  While praying that I and my family are never faced with the hardships encountered by others this past week, I also pray that if we meet this struggle, we are provided the strength and faith to persevere, even in the afterlife.  This is probably what is best to concentrate on, for it is needed most.  Adversity will face us, and it already has in some form.  The key is to not allow it to degrade one's faith, or negatively impact the future.