Perhaps a better word: disillusioned.

It is easy to get cynical or disillusioned living in today’s world.

It tears at our heart strings when we read of children suffering from the effects of cancer. I’ve been in enough hospitals and seen enough of that to last the rest of my life. Trust me. Trips to Riley Children’s Hospital were not and are not on my “highlight” reel.

I feel for parents whose children are the ones suffering. Honestly? I don’t know what to say so I often say nothing except “I love you” and stand with them (most-often silently).

Recent events which I wrote about tear at anyone. My brother in PA read on the internet about their death.

One of our worship leaders has just spent most of his time with his family in Nashville, TN the past 3-4 months. His mother-in-law battled liver cancer and Monday went home.

Living in a fallen world brings the expectation of death. None miss out. The “odds” are 1 out of 1. But what makes it easy to be cynical or disillusioned is people have been praying for her from all across the country. We have been I know. It isn’t Peter and Stephanie though who are questioning. It will be those who are looking for a reason to doubt. A reason to blame God or to say He isn’t powerful enough to heal. Or “See, He doesn’t answer prayer!”

Well, not always does He answer according to our desires or whim. At times I wish He did. But then sometimes I am soooooo glad He did not. It isn’t easy being joyful in times of hurt. But joy is not determined by our circumstances. Happiness is; joy is not. I’d like to direct you to my friend, Eileen’s blog here for a great perspective.

Any thoughts?