Reply #14: My sister-in-law is REALLY struggling with this right now...

[Frogtutor]

She is/was a Christian. Lately her faith depends on the moment she is in. She lost her oldest child in May of 2004. It was a freak, unexpected death; finding out he had a massive brain tumor when he went to the doctor concerning neck pain (seemed perfectly healthy otherwise). He very possibly would still be alive if not for the negligence and incompetence of his doctors; he died 45 days after a horribly botched brain surgery, and a series of medical mistakes. He suffered horribly during that time. He was 24 years old.

This not only has caused her immense pain, but she is understandably quite angry with God. Then this huge natural disaster occurs. Now she feels guilty grieving so deeply for her son when so many others are suffering so horribly. But, her biggest source of confusion right now is why God does these things (or allows them to happen)? Why do we exist? Did God just create us, then leave us to fend for ourselves? How can God love us and allow these things to happen?

I just wish I could provide some answers, or at least comfort for her. She needs God so much right now, but she can't trust Him without some kind of feasible explanation for the pain and suffering...

She likes to read; if anyone has good suggestions for books, etc. I would appreciate them. I'd love to find something that could help her with these questions.

Thanks in advance,

Frogtutor