Shannon Costello

One can occasionally change reality. Litigation or organizing a large, noisy protest may result in the desired changes. I have seen a strong parent presence influence school policies. Sometimes asking nicely will effect the desired changes.

Much of reality, however, cannot be changed. I have heard many stories involving woman (and sometimes men) in their early forties who desparately want to get married but just have not found the right person. One cannot simply order the perfect spouse online.

Natural disasters cannot be denied or changed.

The truth about God is another reality that cannot be changed, though it may be denied. Sometimes a person finds himself confronted with a truth about God that is difficult to accept. One common instance of this is when tragedy strikes. It is easy to ask, “Why would a loving God let this happen?”. It feels like something must be wrong with either God’s love or His power.

I guess this is where faith comes in. When I am faced with tragedy and stuggling to cope, I find myself dealing with issues of faith as well. I can either reject the possibility of a loving and powerful God or I can continue to accept it, trusting that His love and His power make up the reality, and that the pain and sorrow I see here, which have been allowed for reasons I cannot understand, will not be permitted to endure.

“Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” –Psalm 30:5