Why?

Why do good people sometimes do inconceivably stupid things?I have asked my self this question for as long as I can remember, and still, I have no intelligent answer, other than blaming such things on the frailty human nature.

I can look back at the mistakes of my past and be astounded at some hideously foolish acts and irresponsible behaviors. "How could I have done such a thing?" I wondered, "That was so unlike me; so against my usual character." I can only say, thank God He is a merciful God.

The times in my life my behavior was no example of godliness in action, I regarded my unrighteous behavior almost as a form of insanity. Why? Because I was not in my right mind. For whatever reason, my judgement was blurred by pride, selfishness, or a lack of yielding to what I believe. Typically, my "right" mind would be kind, thoughtful, and loving, but this "other mind" was not so kind, nor was it the type of mind I would be proud to display before heaven.

In periods of overwhelming stress, this mind was quicker to frustration and anger. This other mind also seemed to allow my mouth to spew hurtful words, and permit me to act before thinking. Although I have tried to understand and find some rational reason for any less than suitable behaviors in my past, when all is said and done, some things are simply beyond human comprehension.

Recently, several acts of terrorism caused staggering destruction and loss of life in the United States. These malicious attacks were not directed solely to military personnel, but toward innocent and unsuspecting men, women, and children who were simply going about their everyday life.

I searched for some just reason for these extreme acts of violence and destruction, and again, it was beyond human understanding. Insanity.

It is during these lapses in understanding, our only solution is to draw nearer to God, cleaving tight to faith. The tragedies the United States has endured, both presently and in the past - even painful events within our own personal lives - can either make us stronger, or we can allow them to make us crumble. Just as there is nothing we can do to replace the lives of the innocent victims of terrorism and war, so we cannot turn back the hands of time regarding our own past sins.

It has taken me many years to learn to lay my problems in the loving and all-encompassing hands of God, telling Him, "This matter is too heavy for me to bear, and too great for me to fully understand."

By yielding to righteousness, rather than giving in to evil and allowing it to consume us, we will no longer be a victim or slave to sin.

Immediately after the recent acts of terrorism against the United States, we began to see an outpouring of love and compassion, not to mention a renewed sense of patriotism. Upon the blood of the injured and dead is now injected the life-giving blood of volunteers who stand in line for hours to assist others in need. Upon the crumbled and mangled buildings, doors have opened, offering food, clothing, and shelter to those who require it. In our churches and homes, prayers are being offered, and many families are holding their children tighter.

Evil, sin, and hatred will not reign when the people hold tight to God. There is victory in righteousness.

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Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2003 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living Ecstatic Loving: How to have more peace and joy in marriage, and life in general by walking in harmony with God," and "Son Salutations: A refreshing collection of modern inspirations for those who seek God each day." For more information, visit her web page at www.angelfire.com/mi/melschurr