United Under God

I was out having a jolly good time down in the SouthBay one Thursday night when I received The Phone Call. I had just buckled my seat belt when the usually pleasant chime of my cell phone knelled dolefully. After a night decorated with smiles and giggles, the bad news came. Dad called to tell me PoPo took a hard fall on the stairs and the wind was knocked out of her. With blood everywhere, Dad urged PoPo to go to the emergency room. Being an hour car drive away from the family, I felt helpless as goose bumps percolated through my arms and legs. Did I even pray right then and there? Honestly, I don't remember. Miraculously arriving at the emergency room in just forty minutes at eleven fourty-five, I found the family waiting in a stale silence. As the hours passed, one by one family members abandoned the unfriendly room of fluorescent lights. Seven hours later, PoPo was discharged with 30 stitches and 15 staples in her head, tired but no longer in shock.

Why does GOD allow suffering?
I can't help but to think about the bigger picture. Since my grandpa passed away a year and a half ago, PoPo has had time to attend church regularly as well as go to a senior center with some new friends. Just a few months ago, she invited a friend fr the center to church, to hear about Jesus Christ - who He is and what He is about. In July, he decided that Jesus is truth. So you see, PoPo was able to bear fruit for the kingdom of Christ, something that only makes Satan cringe all the more. She stands in the way of Satan's schemings and evilness. Perhaps in his abhorrence of such beauty, Satan lashed out at PoPo. Even so, the Lord will not let Satan take her life when it is not yet time. Her fall pulled the family together, to support her and to pray. Her fall is not something wished upon anybody, and yet she does not question why it happened to her. In this time of suffering, many were affected... those closest to her had to change their daily routines to care for her... yet through it all, her spirit was joyful, and she preached the protection of the Lord. through it all, the glory of the Lord shines brighter than the intentions of the evil one. Perhaps God allows suffering because HIS glory will be proclaimed... just a thought.