Thoughts on why suffering exists, why God allows it, etc.
Yesterday was the 20th anniversary of our wedding day. Given all the recent health developments it was extremely personally gratifying to spend the day driving through the mountains and walking around in nature a bit, enjoying the sights and sounds of the Rockies.
Here are a couple of photos, followed by some obligatory philosophical musing.
Continue reading “20 years – success!”
Denise’s recovery can be measured by two means; what the medical staff sees, and how Denise feels. Unfortunately these two are trending in different directions.
[I’ve got a little humour at the end of this entry to lighten the mood.]
Normally I write, but I wanted to try my hand at a video because sometimes it feels like it would be easier to just talk through a subject; especially something a little more personal. See below.
Continue reading “Thoughts on the ethics of heart transplant”
It’s always felt a little strange that it is my wife who has the health challenges but I’m the one doing the writing and public speaking. I guess it sort of made sense given that Engineers are renown for their mastery of linguistic arts; this aptitude being confirmed by the subtle eloquence and literary beauty of every Engineering textbook. Move over, Shakespeare.
Despite the fact that my Engineering background naturally gives me a literary upper hand, I’m happy to share that Denise has begun doing some of her own blogging now. And she even has her first public speaking gig lined up. Here’s a link to her most recent article on sadness. In the article she mentions having received a shock last week. I have a few thoughts on that, which you can read upon your return from visiting her new website.
I mentioned this in a previous blog article, but it’s coming up so I thought I’d remind you about it. I am one of the break out speakers at this year’s Be Ready conference in Calgary. My subject is suffering, as seen through the lens of Denise’s situation. Broadly speaking, here’s what you can expect, if you attend:
Some of you may know that I do a little speaking and teaching in local churches. Below are a couple of recent and forthcoming engagements.
Most humans, regardless of their worldview, seem rather bothered by the fact that “good people” suffer. Christianity takes this a step further because God – being a loving father – is supposed to protect those who submit themselves to him. And yet good people suffer. Christians get sick and die; even before their time.
There have been many profound explorations of this subject, to which I add a few (not entirely original) thoughts.
This most recent health hurdle with Denise has inspired some further reflection on the subject of suffering. The most poignant question in my mind is, “why in the world do I seem to be handling this situation so much better than the previous situations?”
Upon reflection, I may have stumbled upon one key ingredient in eliminating (or, at the very least, significantly reducing) suffering.
We’ve had some recent, and uncomfortable, developments with Denise’s health. I’m not intending to use my blog to keep people up to speed on what’s happening, so I set up a separate page for those who are interested in following the situation.
Facebook served us well last time around, but since then I have developed a strong aversion to it.
If you have some spare time this Saturday, why not come by Better Books and Bibles? I’ll be doing a “meet the author” time there from 12 noon until 3 (or whenever people get enough of suffering).
The manager of Better Books and Bibles provided a fairly glowing review of my book, as below.
