When a tragedy is avoided or a disaster survived...

[mightynancy]

When someone dodges a proverbial bullet, survives a disaster, or avoids a tragedy, what do you think of the following?

(not picking on y'all who say this...it's just thought-provoking for me)

Wow there is no doubt someone was watching out for you as well as your daughter that is for sure!!!!!

Wow. The Lord protected you!

What does that say about the person who didn't survive, or was otherwise unfortunate? Discuss.

[DigitalShadow]

I actually wanted to say something about that, but figured it may be inappropriate. But since you mentioned it, I've always wondered that when people say things like how surely God must have watched over someone that avoided a disaster. So what about the people who actually were the victims? Were they somehow less worthy of God's protection?

In my opinion, good things happen and bad things happen, people narrowly avoid disaster and people also narrowly get sucked into disaster, that's just how a chaotic system works. Placing God as the protecting force behind some situations also seems to imply that he willingly allows tragedy in other situations so I choose believe that if God does exist, he just stays out of those kind of things.

[NeuroTypical]

What, you mean the poor neighbor girl a few houses down was NOT somehow less deserving of God's protection? I'm edified to see someone else is taking issue with that implication.

But to actually attempt an answer: I know someone who was molested from the ages of 9-11. She's fought a very hard road across 3 decades to recover and be healthy. She's managed to win a pretty hefty victory over her past, in that she is grateful for the person she has become. She is very aware that she would not be the mature, capable, smart adult she is now, if this horrible stuff hadn't happened in her life. If God had protected her, she thinks she might have become some ditzy know-nothing fool, clueless about how the world works. So she thanks God for the trials she's endured. And she has a conceal carry permit so she can blow away any jerk that tries the same thing with her daughters.

LM

Edited June 29, 2009 by Loudmouth_Mormon

[skippy740]

This should be an interesting discussion.

Those who would say "The Lord protected you" would also say "The Lord needed them with Him instead of here on earth with us".

But I DO believe in giving credit where credit is due. It's better to Thank the Lord than to not see His hand. And it can feel better to think that the Lord has a greater mission for that person with Him instead of with us.

It's all about feelings, thanks and gratitude.

It is also said that we will never be tried or tested beyond our ability. It is up to us to determine the next step in our lives.

Now, if you barely missed a traffic collision, but you were speeding, you got lucky and had better learn your lesson. If you were in violation of the law (any law - God's or man's), then you got lucky because the Lord doesn't need to save the foolish.

By following the laws, you can be blessed with safety.

But again, if the Lord takes someone from us, I'd rather think that the Lord needed them more than I did.

Just a point of view.

[DigitalShadow]

Those who would say "The Lord protected you" would also say "The Lord needed them with Him instead of here on earth with us".

But what about situations like torture/rape? Do you think the Lord thinks anyone really needs to be tortured or raped? I mean, I know that some trials in life can do you good, but a lot of rape victims never seem to fully recover. I'm not sure how that could really be part of a plan for spiritual growth.

[skippy740]

I obviously don't have all the answers.

But some things happen to good people to further condemn those who do evil acts.

Also, once you get THROUGH something like this, you can be an inspiration to others.

I have a CD recording of a life insurance agent whose daughter was raped. How do you continue to build your business when this is going on in your life?

One of the things this person did was establish a foundation so that families who have these things happen can attend the trials with their family member. Many of these cases aren't prosecuted if they can't go to the trial. So this person put together a foundation for this purpose.

Out of bad things, good things can come. It doesn't come when you're IN THE MIDDLE of it, but it can come. Out of adversity can show the true nature and resolve of a human being.

You don't know what strengths you have until you're called upon to use it and use this experience to bless the lives of others.

[SortOfMormon]

When someone dodges a proverbial bullet, survives a disaster, or avoids a tragedy, what do you think of the following?

(not picking on y'all who say this...it's just thought-provoking for me)

What does that say about the person who didn't survive, or was otherwise unfortunate? Discuss.

I thought of that too. But didn't mention it because I didn't have the answer. But I agree with what others said here.

[ploomf]

I don't know the answer to your question. I really don't, I wish I did. I do know after I have near misses I always thank God for keeping me safe, I would rather thank God too much than not thank God enough. I've had some near misses where I was pretty sure God was protecting me, some where it could have been just dumb luck. I’ve thanked God after every single one though, because I am alive and safe and I am thankful for that.

Bad things happen to good people. It's one of the fundamentals rules to life, it's not fair and sometimes it seems like there's no rhyme or reason to it. There are many people who can turn horrible tragedies into triumphs, there are just as many who can’t and never really fully recover from what happened to them. What’s the difference between these people? I don’t know. I wish I was more help but I really don’t know what the answers are.

[lestertheemt]

I've been witness to both ends of this discussion. I have seen accident "victems" walk away w/ not even a stratch and minimal damage and death. I have asked numerous times...why? but I know that I am unable to see the big picture. My comfort comes from knowing that some else is in charge.

[Guest TheLutheran]

. . . I know someone who was molested from the ages of 9-11. She's fought a very hard road across 3 decades to recover and be healthy. She's managed to win a pretty hefty victory over her past, in that she is grateful for the person she has become. She is very aware that she would not be the mature, capable, smart adult she is now, if this horrible stuff hadn't happened in her life. . . . . So she thanks God for the trials she's endured. And she has a conceal carry permit so she can blow away any jerk that tries the same thing with her daughters. . . .

Your acquaintance could be me 'cept I don't conceal my heat. Hahahaha. I'm not so sure I would have turned out a clueless ditz, unaware of how the world works, had I not experienced the things I did. Actually, I have at times fantacized about learning life lessons in a less traumatic way. (My father committed suicide when I was just out of college.) I believe the things we experience -- whether a close call, or a devastating tragedy -- are opportunities provided by God for growth and development of our faith, trust and character.