He Died Too Young

The recent death of a Little Miami High School student has the community emotionally fragile, most especially Brayden's fellow students along with their parents who wonder what to say. A tragic death usually brings out both the best and the worst in us as human beings. It brings out the best because we tend to care, hug and talk a little more than normal. When faced with our own mortality, especially as a teenager, causes questions and confusion.

Often the worst things we can do is actually say something. When we don't know what to say it's best to not say anything. More often than not the best thing to say is to ask a question, if you must say something. "How can I help?" or make this offer: "I'm here any time you want to talk."

There's something disturbing to us humans when we don't have answers to questions. We like to know. We like to be in control. But when a tragedy like this breaks open our neat little world, we're reminded of how fragile and unpredictable life can be.

For people of faith we like to remember the promise of Romans 8:28 "God works in all things for the good of those who love Him…" We quote it, and sometimes misquote it (it doesn't say "all things work together for good" - it does say that "God works in all things") and then tragedy strikes and we can easily forget it.

The blame most often goes to God. "Why didn't God save or heal the person?" It's not a terrible question. I've asked it many times before. The more dastardly statement often heard is: "It was all part of God's plan." I usually duck for cover from the potential fallout! That's not the God I know. God doesn't cause wrecks, murders, rapes, bombings or abuse. He is good and can't be evil.

"Why did God take him so young?" When we don't know the answers our human tendency is to blame God. Eventually some people will land on: "I wonder how God is going to use this for good?" That's Romans 8:28.

There are a lot of things I don't know about in this world of ours. There are a lot of things I don't understand about the way God works or at times seems to not be at work. Two things I know about God that help me when life doesn't make sense:

1 - God is good

2 - God is for me

My confusion comes from forgetting that God has a goal for my life, for our lives, that goes far beyond the temporary things upon which I tend to focus. I forget the bigger picture, that I am not the center of the universe or of God's plan.

Why did Brayden die too young? I don't know. It is a horrible tragedy. I do look forward to the good things God will bring out of it, though. In the meantime I pray for his family and friends who must figure out what tomorrow looks like without him.