movement, movement

I was recently emailed through my blog by an old friend of my dad’s who’d been directed to my blog by my dad. He told me a bit about the cancer he’s been diagnosed with recently and included in the message additional details of his story which I couldn’t help but find to be profound:

Lots of people seem to think when they get sick or ill, that God should intervene immediately, making everything all right again. God is like Monty Hall from the old television show, “Let’s Make a Deal”, only waiting for the right deal or prayer before making everything perfect. Television preachers are always talking about how to use the Bible to make money, or allow God to bless your life with riches, and health and joy. I have read the Bible and I don’t think It works quite like that. If in fact, it does work that way, I am not sure I want any part of religion or God.

Truth.

This friend of my father is a man who has received terrible news about his health, but refuses to throw blame. He refuses to get angry and demand healing. It makes my soul sing to hear from a man in a real life situation of suffering who gets it. He knows that the purpose of life is not his own comfort.

Additionally, he described his understanding of prayer:

Prayer builds relationships, and the power in relationships is amazing. When people pray for me, they are building a relationship with both God and myself, expressing love and allowing love to build upon itself.

Its not about me, its about love and community.

It was great to hear such a personal and transparent story from a man I know only through my dad’s stories of his youth. I thank God for moments like this that help me keep at least a bit of hope in humanity. Sincere thanks to this friend of my father.