Today's MOZEN: The Hand of God?

Words and photo by F LoBuono

This is a tough question but one I feel compelled to ask. It's tough because I want to accept the believe systems of others and not judge. I don't want to appear disingenuous. But, it is also an important one if we are to understand why things may happen:

You, or one of your dear ones, have been in a terrible automobile accident. The car is totaled - LOTS of damage. But, you and your passengers miraculously walk away unscathed. Of course, most people immediately say THANK GOD that they were spared. This is certainly a normal reaction. But, what do you say to God when we are not so "lucky" and suffer greatly? What if your child was severely injured and maimed for life or even killed? Do you still thank god? Is the hand that spared you the same one that took your child?

Many people who are involved in these types of traumas spend the rest of their days looking for reasons - one way or the other - as to either their good or bad fortune. Often, if they were spared, they are filled with the Holy Spirit and thank god for their very lives. If they are injured or maimed, they look for reasons as to why this BAD thing happened to them. I also suppose that it is comforting to just give it to god. When things don't seem to make sense, it is often easier to just subscribe it to providence. It's tough to go it alone. So, we accept divine intervention. I understand that.

However, if we are to believe that the hand of god is involved in ALL things then we must ACCEPT all things - including the bad. It is all part of the same big plan. Therefore, we must be grateful for EVERYTHING that comes our way. Of course, another way to fathom this to say that there is NO HAND that manipulates like some type of grand puppet master. Things happen simply because they were supposed to. The even have a word for it: Fate.

There is a scene in the award-winning film, Little Big Man, where Chief Dan George, the late, great Native American actor, performs his Death Dance to make peace within himself and the universe. As he breaks into dance, he chants, Hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey, hey. Then sings - Oh, Grandfather, thank you for making me a warrior and a human being. THANK YOU for my victories AND my defeats!

Why can't we just accept things simply because they are? In life, we will experience victory AND defeat. They are all part of the same, big picture. There is peace in bare acceptance. But, if the concept of a Divine Being orchestrating events in our lives gives you comfort, then, by all means, believe. Whatever gets you through the day is fine by me.