I have a friend who is "angry with God." She has been through more sorrow and hurt in her life than I could imagine, and some of that hurt has (sadly) come from the church.
Her major complaint is that God is uncaring; and her anger stems from God's absence during the most difficult times in her life. From her experience: She hurt- she prayed- God didn't show up to tell her things were going to be ok- and they still aren't.
I'm reminded of The Dark Night of the Soul- Saint John of the Cross, almost every time I speak with her. And most of the time, at the end of our conversations, I walk away with an increased sense of helplessness. I can't prove the presence of God in someone's life (nor would I presume to do so) and telling her my own story seems futile.
In our most recent exchange, I told her I was praying for her, so that she would know she isn't alone in her suffering. In my mind I hoped that it would bring comfort. Instead, she asked- "how does it feel to believe in a God that is silent? How does it feel to have someone else get more love from that god and show it off when you are hurting by praying for you?"
My translation of that statement: "God loves you and not me- don't rub that in my face."
I wonder how many others have been hurt by the "I'll pray for you" statements Christians toss around so cavalierly- as if it would mean something other than "I have an 'in' with God and maybe I can convince him to help you too."
Just food for thought on today's journey...
Her major complaint is that God is uncaring; and her anger stems from God's absence during the most difficult times in her life. From her experience: She hurt- she prayed- God didn't show up to tell her things were going to be ok- and they still aren't.
I'm reminded of The Dark Night of the Soul- Saint John of the Cross, almost every time I speak with her. And most of the time, at the end of our conversations, I walk away with an increased sense of helplessness. I can't prove the presence of God in someone's life (nor would I presume to do so) and telling her my own story seems futile.
In our most recent exchange, I told her I was praying for her, so that she would know she isn't alone in her suffering. In my mind I hoped that it would bring comfort. Instead, she asked- "how does it feel to believe in a God that is silent? How does it feel to have someone else get more love from that god and show it off when you are hurting by praying for you?"
My translation of that statement: "God loves you and not me- don't rub that in my face."
I wonder how many others have been hurt by the "I'll pray for you" statements Christians toss around so cavalierly- as if it would mean something other than "I have an 'in' with God and maybe I can convince him to help you too."
Just food for thought on today's journey...
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