Editor's Notes: Life's random circle of mystery

My uncle works as a Methodist minister in Tennessee and preaches funerals regularly.

Just before services for my grandmother, he called the family together and told us something I’ll never forget. As difficult as it was to say goodbye, we needed to remember that God has a perfect plan in giving and taking life. If we respect the majesty of birth, he reminded us, we must have faith even in the mystery of death.

I witness the circle of life on a daily basis in Green Valley. In a retirement community, most of the residents know they’re in the twilight of their lives. They’ve made plans for death beyond a casual thought. They’ve created wills. They’ve tied up loose ends. They’ve made checklists of things to do before dying. They’ve settled differences with family and friends. And they go on with life, staying optimistic and happy.

Talking to senior citizens and hearing their hopes and prayers everyday has helped me develop an inner peace about the inevitability of death. Most seniors ooze confidence about God and the promise of an afterlife. I want to believe I will see my grandmother again someday, whether it’s in heaven or reincarnated somewhere in another solar system.

I believe in the power of prayer. In my life, I have prayed, and I know it works. I’ve been in situations in which I’ve closed my eyes, and moments later, the prayer has been answered. It was not coincidence, I concluded in those moments. It was divine intervention.

Having felt the power of prayer, and knowing God is all powerful, I am baffled by the randomness of death. Why in the world, for example, did a 16-year-old Sahuarita High student die in a car accident last week? I know you must be asking yourself the same question.

If someone my age, or your age, dies, it’s the circle of life. When it’s someone like Daniel Figueroa, the young basketball player, or even promising 28-year-old actor Heath Ledger, who died last week in New York, I wonder what God is thinking. Yet I have to trust there’s a reason beyond my understanding.

I have followed the Rev. Billy Graham since childhood. Growing up in the South, the two most popular things on television were Elvis Presley movies and Billy Graham crusades. I’ve always been intrigued by how Graham deals with crises in his personal life, whether they test his beliefs and his faith.

His wife of 64 years, Ruth, died last year. The evangelist and his family made a decision to remove her from life support, choosing not to delay her death.

“I’m thankful for the incredible advances in medicine that have taken place during my lifetime. I almost certainly wouldn’t still be here if it weren’t for them,” Graham told Time magazine. “And I believe God has given them to us because he loves us and wants what is best for us, both in this life and the next.

“But death is a reality common to us all, and for me as a Christian, it isn’t something to be feared, because I know what lies ahead for me beyond the grave,” Graham said.

It’s easy to hear Graham’s words and be soothed by them. But then, another baffling moments occurs in my life. My daughter has a wonderful, 30-year-old kindergarten teacher. If there’s a better one in Arizona, I would like to meet her. This woman’s smile lights up a room. Her soft touch melts hearts. Her talent knows no limits.

Yet she sent a note last week to parents saying her husband continues to battle leukemia. He’s in a Phoenix hospital this weekend, receiving treatment and fighting for his life in what should be the prime of their lives. I met him once, a week before kindergarten started. He was much like his wife, friendly, beaming and kind.

I know this is an unusual request, but I am appealing to you as an audience that understands life and death better than anyone in the world. When you go to church this morning, would you say a prayer for him?

Based on my personal experience, I believe in miracles and remarkable cures. I’ve seen things happen that cannot be explained by science, medicine and happenstance. And I know modern medicine can work, if given the chance.

I am not sure how my daughter’s kindergarten teacher will react to my request for your prayers. She made it clear in her note that she was not looking for sympathy. She is meticulous, and I am guessing her husband is getting the best of care.

Many of Christians watch television 15-20 hours a week and pray less than 15-20 minutes a week. I am not here this morning to write a sermon about that. Television is light fare. Prayer can be draining. And many people make the mistake of thinking God already knows what we want; why pray?

Through contemplation and meditation, we can understand the burden of problems and stress. Thinking about life and death can be soothing and provide a new-found focus.

I don’t want to think too much about meeting the Man Upstairs. I am not ready. I know you’re not either. But in trying circumstances, it brings relief and closure to consider the perfection of life and death.

Contact Editor James Bennett at 547-9770 or jbennett@gvnews.com. Comment on this column online at www.gvnews.com.