Category: Current Event

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understanding

huddleCLR“Mom, you just don’t understand!” said one son yesterday morning, after hiding his sibling’s things in order to get back at him for a perceived, serious offense. You just don’t understand. We are way too good at placing all onus on someone else — that the essence of the problem is the ignorance of another — as opposed to empathy for all.

How many times do we sit back in our less-than-humble perches boldly sharing with another that they need to understand?

Friends, you need to understand…

Parents, you need to understand…

Kids, you need to understand…

Men, you need to understand…

Women, you need to understand…

Husbands, you need to understand…

Wives, you need to understand…

Black people, you need to understand…

White people, you need to understand…

Liberals, you need to understand…

Conservatives, you need to understand…

Those in between, you need to understand…

Americans, you need to understand…

Native Americans, you need to understand…

Christians, Jews, Muslims, gays, straights, architects, economists, ice cream salesmen, etc., you need to understand…

We so easily call out all people groups, assuming an entire group thinks and feels the same. We so easily magnify what they are missing as opposed to reflect upon our own omissions.

You just don’t understand.

I wonder how the world would operate differently, if instead of boldly proclaiming the omissions of others, we spent more time humbly reflecting upon the gaps in our own wisdom. Would that not encourage empathy for all — as opposed to only empathy for some? And if empathy is only for some, is it really empathy?

Too often we pounce upon what another people group doesn’t “get” — placing all onus upon them, as if we know better and best. “We” will each know things another does not; but none of us know all. Too often, too, this happens either in social media or before public microphones and cameras; in other words, too often this happens outside the authenticity of face-to-face, respectful conversation. It dumbfounds me how so many fall so easily prey to a social media boldness that limits authentic dialogue and conversation. Sorry… but that’s not brave; that’s not bold. That’s a lack of respect for other people.

“But Mom, you just don’t understand!”

What was the offense that called for my son’s clamor? One of his older brothers said something to him that he didn’t like. Defensive due to a seemingly crass expression, my youngest chose to then hide an ample supply of my oldest’s personal belongings.

Did I understand? Maybe. Maybe not… I get your anger. I get your frustration. I get that this is a big deal for you, and even though I don’t share your perspective, I want to hear you and walk with you through this… I also desire to teach my son better… teaching him to look inside himself first, never allowing his offense to impede the humble reflection that leads to wisdom and growth.

Respectfully…

AR

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what lasts

How much do we live with only the “now” in mind? How much does “living for the moment” distract us from recognizing the long term — for grasping the eternal? As I watch the world around us, I wonder how we would act and feel differently if we could see what lasts. I wonder how the Ferguson protestors, supporters, critics, and bandwagon jumpers would react differently — how we would react differently — if we had a more permanent perspective. And then I read the perspective shared by the New Orleans Saints tight end, Benjamin Watson, linked here in Sunday’s comments. It’s worth the post. Below are Watson’s thoughts. I encourage you to consider them in totality…

“I’M ANGRY because the stories of injustice that have been passed down for generations seem to be continuing before our very eyes.

I’M FRUSTRATED, because pop culture, music and movies glorify these types of police citizen altercations and promote an invincible attitude that continues to get young men killed in real life, away from safety movie sets and music studios.

I’M FEARFUL because in the back of my mind I know that although I’m a law abiding citizen I could still be looked upon as a ‘threat’ to those who don’t know me. So I will continue to have to go the extra mile to earn the benefit of the doubt.

I’M EMBARRASSED because the looting, violent protests, and law breaking only confirm, and in the minds of many, validate, the stereotypes and thus the inferior treatment.

I’M SAD, because another young life was lost from his family, the racial divide has widened, a community is in shambles, accusations, insensitivity hurt and hatred are boiling over, and we may never know the truth about what happened that day.

I’M SYMPATHETIC, because I wasn’t there so I don’t know exactly what happened. Maybe Darren Wilson acted within his rights and duty as an officer of the law and killed Michael Brown in self defense like any of us would in the circumstance. Now he has to fear the backlash against himself and his loved ones when he was only doing his job. What a horrible thing to endure. OR maybe he provoked Michael and ignited the series of events that led to him eventually murdering the young man to prove a point.

I’M OFFENDED, because of the insulting comments I’ve seen that are not only insensitive but dismissive to the painful experiences of others.

I’M CONFUSED, because I don’t know why it’s so hard to obey a policeman. You will not win!!! And I don’t know why some policeman abuse their power. Power is a responsibility, not a weapon to brandish and lord over the populace.

I’M INTROSPECTIVE, because sometimes I want to take ‘our’ side without looking at the facts in situations like these. Sometimes I feel like it’s us against them. Sometimes I’m just as prejudiced as people I point fingers at. And that’s not right. How can I look at white skin and make assumptions but not want assumptions made about me? That’s not right.

I’M HOPELESS, because I’ve lived long enough to expect things like this to continue to happen. I’m not surprised and at some point my little children are going to inherit the weight of being a minority and all that it entails.

I’M HOPEFUL, because I know that while we still have race issues in America, we enjoy a much different normal than those of our parents and grandparents. I see it in my personal relationships with teammates, friends and mentors. And it’s a beautiful thing.

I’M ENCOURAGED, because ultimately the problem is not a SKIN problem, it is a SIN problem. SIN is the reason we rebel against authority. SIN is the reason we abuse our authority. SIN is the reason we are racist, prejudiced and lie to cover for our own. SIN is the reason we riot, loot and burn. BUT I’M ENCOURAGED because God has provided a solution for sin through the his son Jesus and with it, a transformed heart and mind. One that’s capable of looking past the outward and seeing what’s truly important in every human being. The cure for the Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice and Eric Garner tragedies is not education or exposure. It’s the Gospel. So, finally, I’M ENCOURAGED because the Gospel gives mankind hope.”

Thank God for Watson’s eternal perspective. Maybe that is what would unite us…

Respectfully…

AR

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can we fix it?

It was ironic; was it not?

While celebrating a national holiday marked by its inherent humility and grace, a midwestern suburb smoldered due to non-peaceful protest. The streets and small businesses of Ferguson, Missouri were looted and set ablaze, as violent protestors were enraged by a grand jury’s decision not to indict a white police officer in the fatal shooting of an unarmed young black man. As has been said amidst these posts, while all are welcome to their opinion, the insistence that any can ascertain a verdict of guilt or innocence without being present or reviewing all evidence seems questionable. Again, however, emotion and experience have paved the path to truth for far too many. Emotion is guiding what may or may not be true.

What is true, no less, is that racial tension is significant in this country. During the tenure of the nation’s first African-American president, the tension seems to have at best remained constant — possibly, even increased. The tension is real and significant.

I watched this week how many attempted to address the issue. How do we deal with the problem? How do we fix it? Can we fix it?

I watched some call out white people, some call out black people, and some remain strikingly silent.

I watched some pick out a singular, perceived aspect contributing to the tension — prejudice, privilege, or civil rights only for some. Some called out poverty; others called out law enforcement, the justice system, or a singular aspect of crime: white on black, black on white — even black on black.

Can we fix it?

I watched many speak of the need to fight. Said activist Al Sharpton (not exactly camera shy) in the immediate aftermath, “It was expected, but still an absolute blow… We can lose a round, but the fight is not over.”  Occupy Wall Street and other less peaceful activists have said we need to take advantage of the fight.

Can we fix it?

This is a tough issue, friends. Part of the challenge is that too many parties fight. And not only do too many parties fight, but most seem to fight only for one party. If we believe in civil rights, we must believe in civil rights for all. If we believe in no judging by the color of a person’s skin, then no skin color should matter. So back to my question: can we fix it?

I will say it again. This is tough. Fixing it is hard. What exists that can actually unite all people? In what can we find oneness and unity?

The history of racial tension in this country is complicated, painful, and deeply rooted. It is challenging for each of us to comprehend the totality and depth of the issue. If we are going to even attempt to “fix” this problem — or at the very least, minimize the tension — then we need to engage in deep, empathetic, loving, and honest discussion prioritizing reconciliation. My sense is that the calling out, looting, singular aspect focus, and the fighting for civil rights only for some (or empathy only for some — or loving only of some) will not aid in the reconciliation process.

We need far more humility and grace… far more focus on more than “some.”

Respectfully…

AR

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thankful

When I think about Thanksgiving, I think about what gratitude really means. I look at the world around us, and I see a culture so seemingly lacking in thanksgiving — in generous, consistent thanks… a culture that embraces far too much anger, resentment, and self-righteousness. I’ve yet to discern, my friends, how we can be angry and grateful at the same time. I don’t think we can give thanks and still be resentful. I think there’s no way we can be full of any righteous indignation and still possess the humility to give thanks to someone or something else.

Gratitude is personal. It’s not some aimless offering. The colloquial “thank God” doesn’t make a lot of sense unless you add an “s” and a comma. “Thanks, God”… that means far more… That’s direct. That’s intentional… that takes all focus off of self.

I don’t believe we are called to give thanks for all things, but I do believe we can give thanks in all things — especially when I think of gratitude as being something more… as trusting in the great, big God of the universe. I can’t always thank him for my “thorns,” but I recognize that the rose bush doesn’t exist without the thorns. I trust God. That’s enough for me. That trust makes me thankful.

I pause this day, thinking of my sweet sister, Nicole. She is awesome. Ok, so I’m biased — maybe just a little — but ask any who meet her; she’s awesome! Nicole has always been this vibrant, encouraging, positive young lady who makes the whole room brighter. She rarely focuses on the negative — nor on the anger, resentment, righteousness, or self.

Things have changed this last year for her. Nicole was suddenly and shockingly diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer. The disease continues to progress; hence, this 34-year-old, beautiful young woman, now walks a life marked by an incredibly challenging, physical reality. She won’t tell you this, but some of her days are really, really hard. And yet, she continues on… still positive… still not focused on self.

In one of our recent conversations, I found myself uniquely stunned. Nicole remains faithful. She is not paralyzed by any fear nor dismayed by the diagnosis. She is not shaken by the huge “thorn” in her life. In fact, she will quietly but boldly tell you, that she still has much to be thankful for… she has a wonderful family; she is surrounded by people who love her; and her relationships are better. It’s amazing how cancer causes people to let you know how they really feel. People have been generous in the outpouring of their love. She gives thanks for that. Her attitude is absolutely amazing.

On this Thanksgiving, may each of us trust God in all things. May we give him thanks. And may we always see the rose bush… even amidst the thorns. Happy Thanksgiving, friends. I am thankful for you.

Respectfully…

AR

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ferguson

There will be no indictment in Ferguson, Missouri. The grand jury did not find there was ample evidence to indict police officer Darren Wilson in the fatal shooting of unarmed, 18-year-old Michael Brown. Remember that Wilson is white; Brown was black. Also be aware that the 12 person jury is the only group of people that has heard all the collected evidence. They had a “monumental responsibility.” Their job was to separate fact from fiction. Their job was not to be pressured by the public nor seduced by subjectivity. Their job was to search for truth.  I pray they did their job well.  I do not claim to know.

I also wholeheartedly believe there is no reason for looting, riots, destruction nor any celebration. There is grief that a young man died far too early. There is heartache for his surviving, hurting family. And as is typical of our Intramuralist dialogue, there are questions. I will offer only a few, written in the immediate aftermath, witnessing the response:

How many of us made up our minds ahead of time what the verdict should be?  — what was that based upon?

For some, was an indictment more important than truth?

Is a non-indictment an absolution of guilt?

Why do we feel empowered to discern right from wrong in absence of all the evidence?

How does the media affect the process?

Are we getting an accurate perspective?

Does our emotion ever obstruct us from truth?

Does social media help or hurt?

Does  public pressure ever trump actual evidence?

Do we feel capable of dictating justice?

Do we ever become demanding?

Where are we unwilling to allow justice to play itself out?

Do we feel warranted in taking justice into our own hands?

And…

…do we believe that God is just — that justice will eventually be served through him?  Is that enough for us?

I have few answers — mostly just questions, as it’s a sad time in Ferguson, Missouri. A young man died far too young, and a lack of unity and trust exists amid the community.

That lack of unity was evident last night. When I witnessed a sign by one in the crowd, saying “black lives matter,” my heart hurt. The protestor is right; black lives do matter;  all lives matter.  Therein lies the challenge; we are inconsistent in the valuing of life or the life of another.  Sometimes we see differently in regard to only one “kind of life,” when yes, all lives matter… black, white, Asian, Hispanic, male, female, born, unborn, gay, straight, religious, non-religious, old, young, Republican, Democrat, special needs, you name it… Sometimes, for some reason, we passionately seek justice only for some.  Perhaps we should instead trust God for justice for all.

Prayers for peace… prayers for the Brown family… prayers, too, that wisdom, truth, and love would always reign most important.

Respectfully…

AR

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ordering immigration

mexican-flag-300x225Years ago I shared an apartment with a man name “Pepe.” “Shared” is a relevant term. More accurately, my friend — for whom “Pepe” served as a colloquial cognomen for a far longer name (necessitating significantly more advanced pronunciation skills) — gave me 100 bucks each month to camp on my couch.

Pepe was a Mexican citizen. His wife was expecting their first child. You should have seen his face in anticipation of that child… a quiet, gentle man — a man who looked only a known friend in the eye — his countenance shone unprecedentedly brightly when thinking of his future son.  Amazing… just amazing.  I was so touched by his hope… by his joy.

Pepe lived with me for those few months, away from his wife, as he worked two full-time jobs in South Florida in hopes of making enough money to pay for the baby’s birth. I have thought of him often as the immigration debate swirls — how he would have been affected. It helps me to think of Pepe. It helps me to think of that quiet, gentle man… a man who was unquestionably humble, never feeling entitled, a man who embraced hard work and never ceased to count his many blessings.

Last Thursday Pres. Obama announced that he was taking executive action in order to reform the nation’s immigration system. He will make law without congressional input. Here is a brief snapshot of the relevant facts:

  • There is bipartisan support for immigration reform.
  • A Senate-passed bill was never voted upon in the House.
  • Many House-passed bills have never been voted on in the Senate.
  • Partisans in both the House and Senate frequently blame the congressional body refusing to hold votes (… ahem… forgetting anytime one points a finger, four fingers point back at self…).
  • Obama’s Executive Order halts deportations to undocumented parents of U.S. citizens and permanent residents who’ve resided in the country for at least five years. This affects four to five million people.
  • Many could now receive work permits.  It’s uncertain how many will attain Social Security cards and thus qualify for other benefits.
  • How it affects the economy is uncertain.
  • Obama’s legal authority is uncertain.
  • Obama previously said he does not have the authority to ”suspend deportations through Executive Order.”
  • Obama denies any political motivation.
  • The White House waited to announce their plan until after the midterm elections but before the new Republican majority in Congress convenes.
  • The administration began planning this move nine months ago.

As posted previously, the Intramuralist believes our current immigration system is challenged by laws and an enforcement process which seem inefficient and inconsistent. This is a tough issue. Yet precisely because the issue is tough, I do not wish for any president to make unilateral decisions; I want the President to use Congress. I want them to work together. There is bipartisan support to do this well.

Pres. Obama’s unwillingness to wait until the new Congress convenes in a little more than a month tells me that there is some aspect in which Obama is not being transparent. He is utilizing Executive Order as a substitute for the hard work of governing. Executive Orders are the “easy way out” — easier because by bypassing Congress, an Executive Order also bypasses the time, respect, and humility necessary to listen, consider, roll up the sleeves and work with someone other than the likeminded… someone other than self. My concern is again the manifestation of an unprecedented, arrogant approach.

When thinking of immigration reform, it helps me to instead think of Pepe… a quiet, gentle, and undoubtedly humble man…

Respectfully…

AR

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what we don’t know

icebergThe wise man is not afraid of bad news. His heart is firm. He is steady. He is not afraid.

We continue to watch what’s happening in Ferguson, Missouri.

In anticipation of the grand jury’s decision — whether or not to indict the police officer who shot the unarmed teen — so many have their minds made up… so many who haven’t been privy to all the facts… who haven’t sat in on the grand jury testimony… who weren’t there.

That’s the bottom line, is it not?  So many of us have made up our minds in regard to what we want to believe, even though we weren’t there. And because we weren’t there, there could be aspects of the situation, we don’t know. If there’s something we don’t know, then we could be wrong.

Where else does this happen?

Where else do we disregard prudence in the name of passion?

Where must we humbly acknowledge it’s possible we don’t have all the facts?

And where exist persons poised to benefit personally or professionally who provoke us to impatience — as opposed, yes, to what’s harder… to waiting…. being still… humility… and that coveted respect.

That does not delegitimize the time for a peaceful protest — albeit I said “peaceful.” There is no place for the looting or destruction that many seem self-justified in engaging in when an unfortunate civil situation occurs. But too many who call for protest are ok with the omission of the peaceful. Too many lead poorly. Too many incite. And too many forget that even in leadership, there may be something they don’t know.

In Ferguson, local gun dealers report significantly increased sales, especially for first time buyers. The Governor has called in the National Guard, and he has already declared a state of emergency — all in anticipation of the decision.

On August 9th, Officer Darren Wilson shot and killed Michael Brown, an 18 year old, who was unarmed. According to leaked accounts, the incident occurred at close range, in or near Wilson’s car; it lasted less than 90 seconds; Brown died; Wilson had some bodily injuries. Wilson is white; Brown was black.

Some have made up their minds one way or the other because one was an officer and one was not. Some have made up their minds one way or the other because one was armed and one was not. Some still, have made up their minds one way or the other because one was white and one was not.

None of those aspects change the fact that we weren’t there.

The wise man is not afraid of bad news. He not afraid of news nor perspective he seemingly disagrees with. The wise man recognizes there are things this side of heaven he will never know for certain, regardless of how he feels.

Oh, for more wisdom in this world.

Respectfully…

AR

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actions vs. words

pic_giant2_111114_SM_Jonathan-Gruber_0Certain truths will always stand the test of time. I, for one, also find it fascinating when the truths are biblical. So much of current culture seems wired to remove any acknowledgement or accreditation to God. I can’t believe that’s good.

Here for one is a truth I think we each at least act like we embrace: actions speak louder than words. We are called not to love each other “with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” Actions will always speak louder; speech can be hollow; our actions back up what we believe. For example…

  • If we preach to our teens how substance abuse is a dangerous thing, then we can’t be putting all sorts of impurities into our own bodies.
  • If we proclaim to be voices of tolerance, then we can’t spew at those who share different opinions on Facebook and Twitter.
  • And if we advocate supporting the candidates of greatest integrity, then we can’t turn a blind eye to one of the parties.

Perhaps the place that the actions/words axiom is most visible this week is in the whole healthcare law presentation. Yes, I know many of us are fatigued of this frequent topic; some may say they’re sick of it. I agree. I would add that as has been referenced here since its inception, the Intramuralist is equally sick of the means in which the law was passed, and in the past week, my figurative nausea has only increased.

As now carried by an array of news sources (and referenced in Sunday’s post), Jonathan Gruber, a key architect of Obamacare, acknowledged that the only way the Affordable Care Act was passed was to play on “the stupidity of the American voter.” After the story transgressed from solely conservative sites and then into mainstream media, the White House finally paid attention to the claim. Pres. Obama responded Sunday while on his overseas trip: “I just heard about this… The fact that some adviser who never worked on our staff expressed an opinion that I completely disagree with, in terms of the voters, is no reflection on the actual process that was run.” Yet actions speak louder than words…

  • Gruber was hired in 2009 as a consultant by the administration and was paid $392,000 for one year of work.
  • Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, Oregon, West Virginia, and Vermont all paid Gruber for his services. (Wisconsin originally paid Gruber $400,000 for the same material, requested by then-Gov. Jim Doyle (D).  Gov. Scott Walker (R) later declined Gruber’s presence.)
  • Democrat leaders of both the Senate and House praised Gruber publicly at the time (note: Rep. Nancy Pelosi now denies knowing Gruber… note: actions… words…).
  • The notably liberal Daily Kos cited Gruber’s involvement in 2010 as a “key requirement for… legislative proposals to be put forth for Congressional consideration.” They represented Gruber having deep ties to the White House.
  • Gruber visited the White House multiple times, including in the Oval Office with Obama, other experts, and the Director of the Congressional Budget Office. Gruber has said they had to manipulate the CBO.
  • Gruber also talked multiple times about intentionally misleading the public, even adding in one video: “Barack Obama’s not a stupid man, okay?”
  • In 2006, then Sen. Obama acknowledged a professional relationship, saying he had “stolen ideas liberally” from Gruber.
  • We know other mistruths were presented regarding healthcare (ie. “If you like your plan, you can keep your plan”… “if you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor”).

Jonathan Gruber is a credibility problem for the administration and this law. It’s not that Gruber was the sole architect of Obamacare, but he was certainly instrumental — a fact that Pres. Obama does not seem willing to currently, oratorically admit. For the President to instead suggest that he “just heard about this” and that this is simply “some adviser,” shows that Obama is attempting to drown out the ethical piercing currently plaguing his perceived signature, legislative accomplishment.

Such tells me two more things: one, the integrity of the law and people knowingly involved are in question. And two, actions will always speak louder than words.

Respectfully…

AR

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who thinks we’re stupid?

images-1I wrestled this morn with which of the week’s most significant stories to write about… do we discuss how a man who assisted in writing the Affordable Care Act admitted that to pass the legislation, they had to play on the “stupidity of the American voter”? … or do we wrestle with the wisdom in the President’s approach, with his intent to bypass all others, creating legislation on his own? Bear with me, friends. I have a feeling the two stories will easily, semi-profoundly merge together.

Meet Jonathan Gruber: story #1. He’s an MIT Econ professor, teaching there for the past 22 years. He was heavily involved in crafting Obamacare. Wikipedia refers to him as a “key architect.”

As now reported by multiple sources, Gruber has said the following about the Affordable Care Act (also, please take note of the intelligence necessary to become a professor at MIT):

  • The legislation “would not have passed” had the administration been honest about the income-redistribution policies embedded in its insurance regulations.
  • The “lack of transparency is a huge political advantage.”
  • “This bill was written in a tortured way to make sure CBO did not score the mandate as taxes. If CBO scored the mandate as taxes, the bill dies.”
  • “Call it the stupidity of the American voter or whatever, but basically that was really, really critical to getting the thing to pass.”

Gruber visited the White House five times in 2009. Pres. Obama’s campaign featured Gruber in a re-election video. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said last week she didn’t “know who he is,” but a video quickly surfaced showing Pelosi directly referring to and supportive of Gruber’s work. Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) once referred to Gruber on the Senate floor as “one of the most respected economists in the world.”

On to story #2….

Near two weeks ago, America sent a message to Washington via the election. As discussed, the Intramuralist believes the primary message was “one, you’re acting arrogantly,” and “two, we don’t like the way you’re acting.” That includes Congress and arguably, especially the President.

Pres. Obama announced the next day that he will take action on immigration reform on his own before the year’s end. Granted, a new Congress was just elected, but Obama intends to bypass them before they are ever sworn in.

Now the Intramuralist believes that reform should be taken on immigration; the influx of illegals in this country has posed some incredibly challenging economic, social, and national security issues. We need to manage this is a more effective, reasonable way. Yet by bypassing the legislative branch in its entirety — even though the purpose of the legislative branch is create the law and the purpose of the executive branch is to enforce the law — the President has decided to create.

It is true that immigration reform has yet to pass both houses of Congress. It is also true that when Obama had super majorities in the House and Senate, he did not prioritize any immigration measures. For Obama to proceed now via Executive Order — completely avoiding Congress — is to this current events observer, an obviously arrogant approach. It does not adhere to the message of the most recent election.

It also makes me wonder how frequently people perceive the American voter as “stupid.”

Respectfully…

AR

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dignity

lauren-hill-gray-shirt-10312014Last week we chronicled the life of Britney Maynard, the 29-year-old Oregon woman dying of brain cancer, who chose the time her life would end. Contrast that with the life of Lauren Hill, a 19-year-old Ohio athlete, also dying from brain cancer. Lauren has chosen to instead maximize her believed last few days, however long that may be. Both stories have garnered significant, national news.

The day after Britney died, Lauren played her first and only college basketball game for Mt. St. Joseph University, despite her rapidly declining health. As observed by Xavier University men’s head basketball coach, Chris Mack, in a USA Today editorial: “She did it in front of 10,250 watery-eyed locals, with a few celebrities to boot. She scored a layup on the first possession of the game, and scored another basket just before the final buzzer. The game was held at Xavier’s Cintas Center, and MSJ beat Hiram 66-55. It very well could have been held at Paul Brown Stadium if not for the Jaguars/Bengals game — the only difference would have been that there would have been more tears.”

Lauren feels called to spend this time amidst her suffering encouraging other people. She has said: “One January night, I was having a meltdown. I asked God if I could do anything. I didn’t know what He sent me here for. I wanted to know what He sent me here for. Whatever you sent me here for, I’m ready to do… What keeps me going is remembering why I’m here… I told (God) I’d take every opportunity to speak for the kids who can’t speak… I’m spreading awareness on a level that’s never been spread before. I really hope it’s going to bring a change to the world. Being able to have this opportunity is all I’ve wanted and prayed for.”

Neither Britney nor Lauren should be judged for their different approaches to life’s end. Each of us has to figure out our path, wrestling with the God of the universe in how our thinking aligns with him. Britney and Lauren, no less, prompt the Intramuralist to ask multiple, major questions… like…

What does dying with dignity actually mean?

Does suffering equate to no dignity?

Is there any value in suffering?

Where are we “playing God” — in the ending, extending, or sustaining of life?

Is “playing God” wrong?

And a last pair of questions, that always cause me to loop through some transparently tough, emotional gymnastics: what does “quality of life” mean? … and who is capable of defining such?

Being the parent of a special needs child has strongly challenged my thinking. It’s not that I know best nor that my experience translates into truth for all people. Yet what is true about the experience manifest in my household is that I care for a son who many — especially in academia — assume to have a lesser quality of life. He’s got a cognitive disability; his fine and gross motor skills are a little off. Yesterday, by the way, he accidentally, almost (thanks, God!) made an $80,000 purchase on my laptop precisely because of his impairment. But is his quality of life any lesser? I would challenge any to get to know my Josh… get to know how he loves people… get to know how he loves and encourages others arguably better than you and me… get to know how he reads people and how he loves life. Then let’s talk about “quality of life.” My simple point is I’m not sure all our measurements are all that accurate.

This end of life bit is a curious thing. It’s an easy place where judgment, arrogance, and lack of Godly submission creeps in. It’s hard. I pray we learn from the examples of Britney Maynard and Lauren Hill. There is much to learn and the answers are not neat, simple, nor easy.

Said by a local reporter covering Lauren’s thought to be final days… “Lauren will shine brightly until her light is extinguished. Even then, she hopes she’ll be remembered for the good she did. This is how to script the most perfect ending to this most imperfect story. It’s spectacular how the imminence of death can prompt so much living. That’s Lauren’s gift. To us all.”

What a gift indeed. P.S. I think Lauren’s light will shine even longer than that.

Respectfully…

AR