It seems like several times a week I am reading about more individuals suffering spinal cord injuries. Unfortunately, SCIs seem to be more prevalent than ever — or it is just that I am now more aware than ever of news stories highlighting these horrific injuries. I wanted to share a story below that really moved me and still saddens me several days after first reading it. I try to take some solace in the fact that this family has a strong support network, which is so important when dealing with catastrophic events, but I can’t help to feel so much pain and hurt for them.
This story highlights one family’s ordeal, but it is important not to lose sight of the fact that thousands of families a year are affected in a very similar way. And there are thousands of other families who have been living for quite a while now with the aftermath of a loved one suffering an SCI. Unless you have experienced a very traumatic event, there is no way of predicting how you will be affected by it. It is important to remember that events like this affect so many other people besides just the individual.
When I first read the story, my immediate thought was, “How could God allow something like this to happen?” I recently watched the movie “The Adjustment Bureau” and could only wonder why there was no intervention for this family (if you’re familiar with the movie, you understand what I am saying). A story like this does not cause me to question my faith, but it certainly causes me to ask questions. The only answer I can come up with is that God has a Plan for all of us and we may not like it, or even understand it, but when the time is right His reasoning will be revealed.
I just finished reading the book “Return from Tomorrow” about an Army G.I. who spent nine minutes in the presence of Christ after his heart stopped as a result of an infection from pneumonia. It was a very powerful book that was a quick read. I often wonder what I would say if I found myself in the presence of the Lord like this man did. I might ask Him why He allows accidents such as the one above to happen — especially when they involve the innocent. I don’t know if He would answer me. Perhaps I would be too caught up in the beauty of Heaven and so thankful to be there. I do believe Heaven is more amazing than any of us could imagine and that the innocent people who find themselves there long before we feel they should be are the lucky ones.
In any event, we should not lose sight of the fact that praying for others can also serve as healing. God always hears our prayers, but we may not always recognize His answers. Please continue to keep this family and all of us living with an SCI in your prayers. Please also continue to pray for a cure for paralysis.
Only God can move mountains, but our prayers can move God.
Scott