Virginia Tech
As the tragic story unfolds this week, we are left with the haunting question: "WHY? I'm sure that's what the families gathered today for funeral services of the slain students are asking. There's just not a very good answer to that question. Over the years, I've dealt with a fair share of tragedy in my ministry, and have had several people look at me, as God's representative, wondering, "Why??" Any bungling attempt to give an answer is woefully inadequate. When people ask me "why", I simply say, "I don't know." It doesn't do any good to give a theological discourse on the problem of evil or the philosophical foundation for suffering. "I don't know" is the most profound answer available. Then I try to steer them towards two other questions: "How?" and "Who?" How are we going to get through this? Answer: One day at a time. One moment at a time. One breath at a time. Who is going to help me ...