Questions and Beauty

I don't understand why God allows things like the tsunami in Asia a couple years ago. I don't understand why He allows things like the earthquake in Haiti to happen. I don't know why these tragedies happen, why lives are taken so young or what is the correct response. There are so many needs in so much of the world, Haiti is just one of the many that need time, money, prayers, expertise. Hope. I do think it is beautiful to watch people respond and give. I do read the news articles that talk of people in Haiti losing their church buildings and worshiping God in the streets and I know He is bigger than all of this. I know He is deserving of worship. If someone who lost all in the earthquake can praise Him in the midst of chaos and loss, my questions from the comfort of my home lose their importance. I still don't have answers. But I see beauty rise from the ashes and rubble.

On a completely different note (sort of), I saw the Hope for Haiti Now telethon on CNN tonight and Justin Timberlake and Matt Morris gave one of the most beautiful renditions of the Leonard Cohen classic "Hallelujah" that I have ever heard. Check it out below

Never Die Easy

When I was in high school, I read an autobiography of Walter Payton, the incredible Chicago Bears running back who died a tragic, early death. The book, called Never Die Easy, was pretty fantastic and we had an assignment to write a poem taken directly from the words of one page of whatever book we were reading. I just recently found mine. It was called, creatively, Never Die Easy. Here it is.... enjoy... and yes, I will be back at blogging. My adventure isn't done...

Never Die Easy
By Christopher D Rule (published in "The Sound of Poetry", an audio collection)

It was all about the game
Old school, the best school
It wasn't showing off,
I've got no respect for those players
Make them feel me a little.
Go full blast.
If you don't explode into him,
you're going to take the impact.
Never Die Easy.
Make him earn your death.
It's ok to lose, to die,
but not without trying, without giving your best.