He Who Suffers Much Will Know Much

A look at Friday, January 29th's, Neighborhood News.

Suffering is a part of life. We have all been exposed to the great devastation in Haiti. It wrenches one's very soul to see the great amount of suffering that continues daily. We try to make sense of the chaos, and our own vulnerability may be realized. What of our faith? People certainly suffer as a result of poor life choices, but what is to be thought of people's suffering brought about by what seems to be no fault of their own? Daron D. Fraley, budding author, addresses this question in his article, "Did God Punish Haiti?"

David at Gospel Cougar has written a theological post "Why Does God Permit Suffering?", which address the doctrinal aspect of suffering. Learn and be comforted by David's well-documented answers to this question.

Jeff Lindsay, a long-time online LDS missionary of sorts, applauds the courageous and overcoming spirit of a feisty English woman in his Mormanity post, "Pondering The Inn of the Sixth Happiness: A Tribute to a Brave Missionary to China, Gladys Aylward ." Jeff offers an encouraging report on how faith and determination are strengthened through suffering.

As there is no escape from all suffering in this life, it would be wise to learn why it is a fundamental part of life. Anne Morrow Lindbergh, a pioneering American aviator, author, and the spouse of fellow aviator Charles Lindbergh offers her insight:

I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches. If suffering alone taught, all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers. To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openness and the willingness to remain vulnerable.

What have you learned through your experiences with suffering? How can we best help those around us who are suffering? What are your thoughts on the short and long term suffering in Haiti?