Life is chalked full of hard questions. Some of these questions arise because of overwhelming circumstances. While these questions are not commonly verbalized to me, I firmly believe they are stirring inside of people connected to traumatic situations.

Since early December 2018, I have consoled and conversed with citizens and responders who have been engaged with some extremely difficult crises. Four suicides included: a middle age teen, an older teen, a middle aged man and a woman a few years younger than him.

I was also a part of three situations that involved the deaths of children who ranged in age from a couple of months to kindergarten to a pre-teen.
Hard questions that commonly arise are:

“Why did he/she do this?”
“How could they do this to their family?”
“Why did God allow this to happen?”

Some questions are answered with factual responses but which do not necessarily bring consolation to the inquirer. An example is the reality that suicide results from a person being completely overwhelmed by life and choosing to stop their pain, likely without grasping the wake of pain they will leave behind.

Other questions which relate to accidents or unknown causes of death (SIDS) leave a haunting void because there is no concrete solution.

As a chaplain, I join friends and family to console people facing harsh situations. I offer them the chance to verbally process their situation, as well as recommend various resources appropriate for their needs.

Just as I help surround people in crisis, so the Lord offers His unlimited consolation. While He does not always answer all of our questions, He brings His comfort and assurance to those who will receive it.