Spiritual Wellness

My grandparents were graciously spared from the tornado that ravaged Joplin, Missouri on Sunday, May 22^nd. I’m left wondering why.  Why are some people spared while others must endure tragedy?  When I asked my family this question, my sister contributed a bit of satire saying, “God has a VIP list.  And, our grandparents are on that list.”

My grandparents, who live in Tulsa, travel most weekends to visit their relatives in both Joplin and Springfield. They depart Friday and return Sunday night.  I’ve driven this 3hour trip dozens of times.  Joplin is the perfect road trip pit stop with its Steak N’ Shake directly off highway 44.  Normally, when returning to Tulsa, my grandparents leave late afternoon so as to arrive in Tulsa no later than 7pm.  That means they drive through Joplin at about 5pm.  The recent tornado struck Joplin at 5:15pm on a Sunday that my grandparents were driving back to Tulsa.  But, this time, they weren’t in Joplin at 5pm.

Instead, they were in Tulsa having coffee with me. They decided to leave Springfield early that day.  I was in town for the weekend, and they wanted to see me.

Over one hundred people died in the tornado and the numbers continue to rise.  The death toll primarily consists of people who were driving when the tornado struck.  I think it’s fair to say that my grandparents lives were spared.

Why were their lives spared?  Was it coincidence? Is my sister right?  Does God have a VIP list?

Obviously, I don’t think God has a VIP list.  I do believe God was involved.  My worldview is built on the reality that God is always involved.  However, I cringe a little inside when I say “God spared them.”  I don’t cringe because of the God part.  I like giving God credit for every good thing.  He deserves it. I cringe because this statement could leave others to misinterpret me.  They might ask, “Why would God spare them, and not spare the others?” I cringe because I think it’s a statement that could hurt someone’s feelings.  A person who wasn’t spared.

Really, I don’t know why some people are spared trauma. The conditions of suffering are one of many spiritual mysteries I’ve reconciled.  I’ve made peace with the unknowing.

My grandma agreed.  She told me that she didn’t have an answer to my question.  She didn’t know why some people are spared disaster while others suffer or die.  Instead, she reminded me of her morning prayer routine.

Every. Single. Morning.  My grandparents use Psalm 91 as a prayer for their family and friends.  This psalm promises God’s protection for those who love Him.  Together, they recite it as a prayer, inserting people’s names as characters.   My grandfather says, “God answers the prayers of those who ask Him.” We must ask.

I don’t think there’s a formula in life for getting into a suffering-free zone.  At some point, we all suffer in different ways.  But I know that prayer is powerful, and I know that my grandparents have spiritual wisdom.  I would be a fool to ignore their insight and example.

I encourage you to be familiar with Psalm 91.  It may come in handy.  Now is the time to pray for those across the country who have been devastated by tornado season.  Now is the time to pray for those who will begin to rebuild their lives.  Let’s continue to pray for God’s protection, not allowing our devastation to dim our faith in His love.

Psalm 91

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.

If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”

news, prayer, protection, suffering