Nathan Dooley

Are You Living With Grief?

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Whether it was on the mind or wasn’t, even now you may be asking yourself whether it’s relevant. I think it is… especially after reviewing why, because at the very least you’ll walk away with a foundational peace that surpasses all understanding.

However… while I can assure you that every person is living with some form or fashion of grief, you will not find peace without first acknowledging that you need to grieve by accepting the answer as “yes” for yourself.

I get it though—if this question was presented previous to the most recent difficult news in my life would’ve moved on as disinterested; it wouldn’t have been because I didn’t care, but that I didn’t understand the significance of grieving until the experience of pain became more than years could bear.

YES

Yes the traumatic experiences of life hurts, whatever that looks like for you—it could be that you’ve been through what feels like Hell, things I couldn’t possibly describe without knowing you intimately although can imagine because of how pain is all too familiar even though distinct.

It might be that someone you completely trusted lied?

It might be that circumstances made you handicap?

It might be that you’ve been abused?

It might be because you’ve lost a loved one?

It might be you can’t give birth to a loved one?

It might be that you just found out… cancer?

it might injustice due to bigotry and racism?

It might be the question itself?

I’ve learned that the significance of grieving is found when accounting for what’s been lost. “What’s been lost?” Feels more like a question of: What’s been taken? The answer is quite simple really, innocence.

LOST

Everyone handles grief in their own way, I get that. But how it’s handled is very important. it’s only been a couple weeks since losing my sister and the weight of waiting to lay her to rest is heavy laden on my soul.

And just as a friend of mine has graciously warned how grief will spontaneously sprout over the course of time when birthdays, holidays, and other days come round and my sister isn’t there will hit in ways unexpected. My wise friend said this…

Do me a favor. When the grief comes, when the pain comes— lean into it. As hard and as painful as it may feel, lean into the pain in order to live through it to reach the other side where the moments you remember are more of the ones you want to remember and not the pain you are currently feeling. What I did NOT say was to lean into it ALONE. You have a wife, other family and friends that you can lean on with all of your weight and we will hold you up until you can stand again. I am here for you just as I always have been. Whenever you need or want to talk or just have someone listen, I’m here. There is no such thing as too early or too late.

~ Draoun

And he’s right. You may not see me, but spiritually, you’re not alone. So whatever that pain looks like for you, get ready to take a few moments in the quietness of your soul and environment. But like my friend said, I didn’t say to do it alone. You can experience this with God, family and friends. Don’t be shy.

Don’t give into the pride of being perceived as tough. Lets get to a place where we are living with peace through that which is causing pain. If you were sitting across from me right now and I asked what your pain is…what would come to mind for you?

PAIN

Identifying your pain—is where you start not being lost in whats been taken, because whats been taken is what is causing your pain and influencing your life choices to consequences. Hence lost.

Like for me right now, I’m doing a balancing act by resisting the urge to react to the pain and suffering of the world learned through social media about stocks, coronavirus, injustices, politics, relationships, religion, while covertly getting through work day after day dealing with my responsibilities as a husband, uncle, brother, and friend.

Notice how I said “covertly getting through”. That means somethings wrong. The emotions that encompass the aforementioned reveals unspoken pain of which needs addressed because its’ influencing how I perform in all aspects of my life. So let the healing begin!

HEALING

Whether you’re reading this on your phone or on a computer, it is at this point you set it aside and think about what ails you. What causes you pain?

Don’t avoid that question as you would a confrontation, rather…confront that question headlong. Be real, raw, and authentic! Think of it as being in a place somewhere free, a cabin in the mountains maybe, or even a coffee shop that you feel like you own (even if you actually do) and journal what causes you pain and why.

Shoot! Even this post can become your journal place, that’s what the comments are for.

But as you do this, and take it seriously with time, you’ll start noticing periodic elevations in energy with a proactive desire to accomplish peace and live life to its’ fullest potential. Now here is where it gets difficult because a part of accomplishing peace is approaching demons you’ve avoided for however long in your life and these demons represent the emotions of hate to the extent of suppression, indifference, or even murder for the people or circumstances that hurt you to the core.

You need to remove these demons by releasing that energy or you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.

GRIEVE

God can handle the most worst possible pain you’ve experienced or even can imagine to experience. Let it out… share it… cry…

Don’t hold anything back, use your God given language to speak what is in your heart and listen… and I mean really listen …because God is handling it with you by making the choice at your own will to acknowledge that God can actually help you.

That doesn’t mean it will be easy or even simple, but the point is that you’re free…not bound by what laws you’ve created for yourself to be enslaved to. YOU ARE FREE! NOW GO AND LIVE IN FREEDOM!

In love…

Nathan Dooley

Freedom

Mercedes

Robbed Mercedes… When I got the call from our sister (Kelsie) about the news, didn’t know how to respond other than contact police departments to try and scrabble information. I didn’t want to believe what I heard, “NOO!…”. The feeling to describe the state of loss was…ROBBED…because you and I are designed to live holding … Continue reading Mercedes →

by Nathan Dooley
Nathan Dooley

The Thing About Stepping Stones

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In light of my previous post this title seems most appropriate considering what troubles me. The sun is setting, darkness is fast approaching; light is dim, yet glistening off the stream of water. I think I see closure on the other side! But the surface is wet and bedded with algae. And the thing about stepping stones… is that they cause pause to ponder about ideas.

CROSS?

The stream has a peaceful sound, it’s gentle, feels safe… The algae? Yah, it’s true…I could fall; It’s a pretty green, slick to the touch. How about the stones? What is their condition? You’re right, “type of sandstone”…they’re brittle; but they seem reliable, sturdy enough and positioned in a way for every step of crossing

I try to bring it up in small doses or when problems arise for them to know that every stone is a stepping one.

~Mercedes “Sadie” Fulton

I won’t lie, I’ve doubted my calling to ministry for lack of academic credentials and experience. But the doubt that’s gnawing me presently is the philosophy of ‘doubt’ itself… it’s a problem you see …because as soon as doubt becomes effective it compromises confidence that would’ve otherwise prevented hesitation and thereby consequence.

The ideas of, “what if I said this or that—could it-have changed this or that… …am I somehow guilty…” weighs on the conscience.

While people in their good nature and mean no ill intent, might attempt to appease or fix these concerning thought patterns with words coated in flattery; they will not bring closure, and it does not bring healing to the parts of the conscience that need not healed because the wounds are already scars.

The closure that I see across the stream is not fixed on what I cannot control, nor any longer on the doubt that I CAN control. But my closure is fixed on what Jesus Christ is doing in my soul. I’m learning a valuable understanding about life of which each take part in their own way, but the understanding is this:

Every person purposed in their position of occupation to accomplish life is blessed with an internal choice that bleeds an external consequence, our days are numbered and sins are found out, but the legal divine right over every soul belongs to the one who wrote his or her DNA.

Every problem that is a stone is a stepping one. I will choose to have faith in Jesus Christ as I trust in the timing of God’s reasons to life and death that are beyond my compass of closure. I’m thankful to have a will to choose. And I’m thankful to have hope of which defines the character or my soul.

But what about you, reader?

How will you cross the stream of your life as the weight of your conscience is heavy burdened with sin? Do you see the problems of your life as stones for stepping or as algae for identity?

in love…

Nathan Dooley

Freedom

Mercedes

Robbed Mercedes… When I got the call from our sister (Kelsie) about the news, didn’t know how to respond other than contact police departments to try and scrabble information. I didn’t want to believe what I heard, “NOO!…”. The feeling to describe the state of loss was…ROBBED…because you and I are designed to live holding … Continue reading Mercedes →

by Nathan Dooley

Are You Living With Grief?

Whether it was on the mind or wasn’t, even now you may be asking yourself whether it’s relevant. I think it is… especially after reviewing why, because at the very least you’ll walk away with a foundational peace that surpasses all understanding. However… while I can assure you that every person is living with some … Continue reading Are You Living With Grief? →

by Nathan Dooley
Nathan Dooley

Mercedes

5 Comments

Robbed

Mercedes…

When I got the call from our sister (Kelsie) about the news, didn’t know how to respond other than contact police departments to try and scrabble information. I didn’t want to believe what I heard, “NOO!…”.

The feeling to describe the state of loss was…ROBBED…because you and I are designed to live holding our grandparents and parents hands as they come of age to meet our Lord. I felt robbed of the many more years to experience life with you. And it was actually some friends (Daniel included) of mine that “coined” this feeling because of how they could relate to what I was presently experiencing—”feeling of being… robbed”.

And so here I am, robbed. Because when I go to message you now, there is no response, only…silence. Which is nothing like you at all. I think you might be one of the most obnoxious people I know apart from me. I mean, not that it was a competition or anything. Ha. That’s a laugh. Everything is a competition when you’re a free spirit; that’s what makes life interesting, reckless, and fun! Anyway… I can think of a few others in our family that are just as crazy as us and yet… still alive, go figure.

And for the record, Sadie, you cheated. I’m older, and it’s only fair that the elder goes first. Yes, you’re a lady and all. And myself, a gentlemen. But rules are rules. I get that ladies go first, but that’s cheating…sis!

Even though the feeling was a feeling of being robbed. After mourning and depression…have come to be at peace by the comfort of friends and family encouragement. But not only that, also in processing these moments I shared with you in our salvational engineering group discussion on facebook.

But I also feel the strength to not give up and to be around as much as possible to show the person the happiness and light I live in daily. I believe he made me for these types of people. Relatable to all types and strong in faith

I believe He (God) did too, Sadie. And I pray any friend and family that reflects on memories of you, they are comforted as I am by the motive of your heart.

I hate seeing beautiful souls get lost in thoughts of helplessness in their dark times … Now I just need them to want to ask questions and be ready and educated in my faith when it comes to those questions.

Me and you both, Sadie! I hope any person that ever comes to know you by testimonies about you, they will ask questions about that contentment and light, that hope, and us be ready and educated in faith to answer the hard questions. And while I’m not a judge to determine justice for any soul can only hope that every soul of which knows us will know Christ Jesus to be their salvation as He is ours.

Robbed

Speaking of answers to hard questions. The questions that surrounded the feelings of being robbed are put rest by answers that aren’t governed by my bias ideas of where you might be now, spiritually speaking. I can only hope to see you again in the clouds with Jesus Christ; while my dependency of that hope does not rest necessarily upon the sight of seeing you again, rather, that our sights together are focused on seeing Him because of the truth that Jesus Christ is the author and perfecter of our faith.

I love you Sadie! And don’t worry about Titan, the boy is in trustworthy hands.

Titan, BIG MAN TITAN…

You’re not quite old enough to read this yet, but one day, you will be. And I want you to know that your mom loved and still loves you sooooo sooo much. Don’t ever loose sight of that truth because it will be a compass for your soul. Don’t suppress the emotions of your heart, let the world know who you are. But understand this from your uncle Nathan, life is a mystery of proverbs that are worth discovering to learn from the Good Book.

Let the Bible be your compass in guiding you to life, truth, and love.

Here’s a quick story to remember your mom by: It was when we (me and your mom) were kids, just a few years older than you but can’t remember exactly what it was we were doing. I think it was either a game of tag or hide-n-go-seek. It’s a vague memory.

But that’s beside the point.

What I think I remember your mom running full speed away from was—getting tagged. She was always extremely competitive and quite fearless! Anytime there was a challenge, your mom was up for the task of proving her abilities. So as she was running full speed, focused and determined, nothing could stop her until… WHAM!

There was this horizontal steel pole that came out of no where, leveled her, knocking the air out of her as she hit the ground. But you know what… she got back up, she didn’t give up. Your mom was tough, just like you! And did you take notice of how focused and determined? She was, unstoppable.

And so even when obstacles come out of nowhere to stop you, Titan. Get back up, and don’t give up….

I love you.

Nathan Dooley

gofundme—family of Mercedes Fulton

Answering Hard Questions

How Can A Good God Allow Suffering?

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A good God can allow suffering because He is merciful. Let me explain.

IT GETS HARDER

The sixth and final question asked of the group brings up the problem of evil, but the original query that was asked was even tougher because it removed a core argument from the debate – freewill. So here is the full question that I will answer.

How can a good God allow suffering? Freewill seems just like an excuse.

I found this question to be quite difficult. I think the removal of freewill is the cause of my challenge in finding a complete answer. Freewill is not just an excuse. It is an essential piece to the human story. It is an essential piece to any love story. How can one love without choice? Does a wife love her husband because she can do nothing but love him? The question doesn’t even make sense. Love falls apart without freewill.

I digress.

Below are 7 statements backed by scripture to help understand the problem of suffering, doing my best not to harp on freewill. I prayed this would be God breathed and I pray now that this would be helpful to you.

1. Justice for all means extinction

If God were to end all suffering right now by bringing justice to the guilty everyone would be dead (Isaiah 64:6, Romans 3:23, Romans 6;23). Suffering is the result of sin. Sin is done by sinners. We are all sinners. Therefore in order to get rid of suffering you must get rid of the sinner, and that would mean no one could be allowed to exist. The problem isn’t just some evil force working to do harm to all people. The problem is us.

2. God is merciful

God does not bring swift judgement to end all humanity (and all suffering) immediately because He loves us and is merciful (Psalm 86:5, Luke 6:36). 2 Peter 3:9 says “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” God has not judged us yet because he wants everyone to be saved.

3. God did not design a world with suffering.

In the beginning God created good. We see that over and over again in Chapter 1 of Genesis (Genesis 1:10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31). In Chapter 2 we even see that the relationship between man and woman is in good standing (Genesis 2:25). God did not design a world of suffering. This planet and its current affairs are not what He wanted for us.

4. Suffering is the result of human decision(s)

Genesis 3 lays out how what humans did to bring suffering into the world. They desired to be God, and they took action to achieve that goal in direct disobedience to God’s rule. Adam and Eve started a terrible tradition where men continue to try and replace God. This is the beginning of suffering. Elevating our thoughts, ideas, or desires above other’s wants and needs produces suffering. Our decision to lie at work hurts our employer and our customer. Having sex with a previous lover introduces possible insecurities in our next partner. Our rude, flippant remark at someone’s elementary mistake can scar an individual for a lifetime. We are the vicim and perpetrator of suffering.

5. God suffers with us

We are not alone in our suffering. God has done something really, really profound. He has chosen to suffer with us. In Mark 14:31 – 15:41 we witness God in human form (Jesus) experience dread, close friends unable to be there for Him in his time of need, betrayal, injustice, false accusations, disownment by a close friend, being mocked, torture, disgrace, public shame, and asphyxiation. Our God knows our suffering. He knows it intimately.

I’m not sure we understand the complete absurdity of this. God actually has experienced our suffering. It would be like if we were to go and experience the troubles of a worm. The individual worm’s suffering has no bearing on our life. There is no need for it. It makes no sense.

Unless there is love.

6. Suffering is not without purpose

A lot of us ask the question ‘why there is suffering in the world,’ but I think a more relevant and impactful question is ‘why do I suffer?’ The Bible tells us that our suffering has purpose (John 9:1-3, 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10; Luke 14:13-14; Acts 20:35).

This too is also quite profound. There must be suffering in this world because sin exists, but there does’t have to be purpose behind it. The purpose of suffering is a grace God has given to us in the midst of pain. He has found a way to make evil result in good.

7. God has taken action

When people say God has done nothing to combat evil and suffering that is a lie. God has done something and will do more.

He has always been a God of mercy and action. Even after the first sin God made clothes for Adam and Eve to help them cover their shame. He sent his only son to take our punishment for our sins so we can have peace and eternal life (John 3:16).

Finally, Jesus is coming back and His new kingdom is going to be epic. There will be no tears, pain, or death (Revelation 21:4). This world and its ways will pass away, and thank God!

Conclusion

The problem of evil and suffering is a very culturally relevant issue. I heard Neil DeGrasse Tyson give suffering and evil as the reason he does not believe in a good, all powerful God. He did not say because there was a lack of evidence. He didn’t say it was impossible. He said because there is evil and suffering. That reason does not stand, and we have an answer for it.

Please remember that just because we are people of faith does not mean that we are people without reason. Our God made the rules of this universe and any honest science will not disprove Him.

~ Daniel F. Grey

MORE ANSWERING HARD QUESTIONS
Is My Unbelieving Loved One In Hell?
Can Someone Embrace Homosexuality And Still Be Saved?
How Do You Admonish Someone Who Is Not A Believer?
How Do You Direct A Stranger Who Wants To Take The Next Step As A Believer?
Why Do Christians Obey Some OT Laws & Ignore Others?

SOURCES

Bible Gateway
CBS Sunday Morning

OUTLINE

How can a good God allow suffering? Freewill seems just like an excuse.

I found this question to be quite difficult and I still don’t think I am satisfied with the answer I prepared below. I think the removal of freewill is the cause of my difficulty in this. It is not just an excuse. It is an essential piece to the human story. It is an essential piece to any love story. How can one love without choice? Does a wife love her husband because she can do nothing, but love him? The question doesn’t even make sense. Love falls apart without freewill. Anyways below is 7 statements backed by scripture to help understand the problem of suffering, doing my best not to harp on freewill. I prayed this would be God breathed and I pray now that this would be helpful to you.

  1. If God were to end all suffering right now by bringing justice to the guilty everyone would be dead. Romans 3:23; Isaiah 64:5-6; Romans 6:23
  2. God does not do this (point 1) because he loves us and is full of mercy. 2 Peter 3:9; Luke 6:36; Psalm 86:5
  3. Our God did not design a world with suffering. Genesis 1:10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31; 2:25
  4. Suffering is the result of human decision(s). Genesis 3
  5. Our God did not leave us to suffer alone; he experienced it too. In Mark 14:32 – 15:41 we see God go through dread, close fries unable to be there for Him in his time of need, betrayal, injustice, false accusations, disownment by a close friend, being mocked, torture, disgrace, public shaming, asphyxiation
  6. Suffering is not without purpose. John 9:1-3; 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10; Luke 14:13-14; Acts 20:35
  7. Our God does not just sit back and allow suffering. God DID/WILL DO something to eliminate suffering. John 3:16; Revelation 21:4
Nathan Dooley, T4P, Under Pressure

Under Pressure | #8

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PASSENGERS

Read Under Pressure #7 first! —No, Jim did not kill everyone. That part was a joke for those who’ve actually seen the movie.

THE INFLUENCE

Can you imagine though… being a passenger on a Starship spacecraft at the age of _whatever_, woken up by providence, to live the remainder of your days alone because everyone else is in suspended animation sleep until you’re dead? Well, sort of… I mean it’s not like they’re waiting or even wanting for you to be dead.

But what if you realized you didn’t have to be alone and found a way to give your life meaning by taking the meaning out of someone else’s life? “Say you’re stranded on a desert island with an ability to whisk someone there with you, would you?” (paraphrased from the movie).

That’s definitely not an emotional artificial intelligent robot type question, because robots don’t have a conscience bearing them responsible for an incalculable decision. So how does a person cope with that type of decision, once made?

THEY LIE

That’s right. They lie! But why? …pause…

You have to really think about that question for yourself. I’m bias to the belief that everyone assumes they know their reasons justified until the hypothetical becomes a reality for them personally, it’s only then, that anyone could truly understand the decision of another in this scenario.

And so if you were asking me that question. My reasons would be because of the ingrained nature to experience life to the fullest of its limited capacity. We are wired to live with each other, not separate. Therefore, it’s only natural that the inevitable will happen.

But the ability to cope, comes by way of motive. The chemical reaction of love, an impulse so powerful that the lie seems worth it all. Motive is what gives love meaning; which cultivates in a person’s character the ability to cope with difficult decisions, acquiring necessary mechanism to accept the consequence of their fate.

CHARACTER

I’m curious as to how these words typed affect you, reader. It’s therapeutic for me, quite literally affecting myself. Is that weird? I think, “yah”, that’s weird. Anyway, back to impacting our character.

Once the motive is established, the character falls in line and conforms into the ‘how to’ cope with the aforethought decision of whisking someone stranded on a desert island with you. And therefore we have, Jim. Our subject matter. Because in the movie you’ll find these mysterious qualities about the character of Jim as you watch to observe his personality.

So many questions come to mind through the progression of time Jim is alone on the ship until finally waking up the love of his life, Aurora. The hardest decision for him or, I think… anyone really …to make. And he copes with it by collusion with his bartender robot, Arthur. Yah, I know. And for awhile, I might add…(why is that even said “I might add” it’s an oxymoron).

Anyway, it’s the secret made with his emotional A.I. robot bartender that leaves the viewer and, well, now us, suspended with anticipation because of such an event. What do we make of this? It’s at this point in our story two motives emerge. Which, one: being that of inevitable love, and two: collusion for the inevitable love to happen. “So what do we make of this?” Do tell….

Stay tuned for Under Pressure #9 to continue in our journey with the passengers, consider following our blog and smashing that like button!

Passengers

Under Pressure | #7

In the movie “Passengers” a mechanic (Chris Pratt) and journalist (Jennifer Lawrence) are aboard a starship (and one of the best animated in my opinion) set out on routine course through space at 50% lightspeed to another planet-like Earth called Homestead II. While in transit the starships’ shield takes on some serious pressure upon encountering … Continue reading Under Pressure | #7 →

Answering Hard Questions

Is My Unbelieving Loved One In Hell?

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Yes. Your deceased, unbelieving loved one is in hell, but I wouldn’t lead with that. Let me explain.

A Reminder

When these six questions were brought to my group they were all challenges we were scared to have someone ask us as a believer. Can you imagine your new friend bringing this loaded question to you? How do you respond to it without losing a soul, but also with gentleness and tact?

How To Respond

Each situation is unique and I would not approach every person the same way, but I think you could combine the truths listed below in a number of different ways and maintain integrity, gentleness, & truthfulness.

1. Speak Truth

It is important to speak truthfully and lovingly into this piercing, heartfelt question. This query is one of heartbreak. Please be gentle with this person, but don’t misrepresent the truth. A well timed word can comfort the heart and a lie can lose souls.

2. Read The Room

Before you bring your sword of truth to bear, remember this -> We do not know with 100% certainty the final state of a person’s heart; only God knows and sees that. We do know that God is good, just, and a God of mercy. We can trust Him to do the right thing, and He is the one that makes the final judgement, not us. So before you declare the truth to your friend see if you need to tend to their heart. Sometimes a hug and a ‘I don’t know” may be all that is needed.

3. A Message From The Grave

We may not know where their loved one is with 100% certainty, but we do know, whether in heaven or hell, they have a desire for your friend. The parable in Luke 16:19-31 tells of a rich man sentenced to hell. There he is starved of the goodness of God and is filled with agony. He begs that his family would be told the right way to get to heaven… No matter where our deceased loved ones are, they want us to know Jesus.

4. Heaven On Earth

The after life will always contain some mystery, but there are certain things we can thank God for now. In this life their loved one got to experience the goodness of God in what is known as common grace: food to enjoy, satisfying work, good friends, rain and sunshine, the beauty of the night sky, etc… The world is full of wonder and we all get to live in it, no matter what we believe.

Conclusion

If this question was brought to you with heartfelt sincerity I think you could use these four pointers to help plant or water the seed of faith in their life. However, if you are approached with hostility I think the best way to respond is through point 2, then show them you care by following up at a different time. In the words of Frederick William Faber “Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal, eloquence, or learning.”

~ Daniel F. Grey

MORE ANSWERING HARD QUESTIONS
How Can A Good God Allow Suffering?
Can Someone Embrace Homosexuality And Still Be Saved?
How Do You Admonish Someone Who Is Not A Believer?
How Do You Direct A Stranger Who Wants To Take The Next Step As A Believer?
Why Do Christians Obey Some OT Laws & Ignore Others?

SOURCES

Exoduse 34:6-7
Lamentation 3:23-24
Matthew 5:45
Luke 16:19-31
BrainyQuote.com

OUTLINE

  1. It is important to speak truth and love into this piercing, heartfelt question without misrepresenting the truth. 
  2. Sometimes a hug and a ‘I don’t know’ may be all that is needed to be done. 
    • We do not know the final state of a person’s heart; only God knows and sees that and He is the one that makes the final judgement
    • We do know that God is good and just and we can trust him to do the right things. Plus He is a God of mercy. Exodus 34:6-7
  3. Luke 16:19-31; we may not know where the loved one is, but we do know your loved one’s desire for you. The rich man, starved of the goodness of God, begged that his family would be told of the right way to get to God/heaven.
  4. We do not know where your loved one is now, but in this life they got to experience the goodness of God in the common grace He set forth on earth (Matthew 5:45).  Food to enjoy, satisfying work, good friends, rain and sunshine, the beauty of the night sky, etc…
Nathan Dooley, T4P, Under Pressure, Xtian Philosophy

Under Pressure | #7

1 Comment

In the movie “Passengers” a mechanic (Chris Pratt) and journalist (Jennifer Lawrence) are aboard a starship (and one of the best animated in my opinion) set out on routine course through space at 50% lightspeed to another planet-like Earth called Homestead II.

While in transit the starships’ shield takes on some serious pressure upon encountering what appeared to be a comet cloud.

The spacer you see above is an indicator of time intervals between segments of writing.

If you haven’t watched the movie between now (2020) and 2016, then I’m about to give you a unique perspective as you watch it for the first time. And if you have seen it, well… as you read what is typed jogs the memory and entices you to watch it again, you’ll also get a unique perspective as this post will come to mind.

5000 passengers are in their hibernation pods experiencing 120 years worth of animated dream-like state while traveling across space in an artificial intelligent and dare I say emotionally intelligent spacecraft. But upon a comet puncturing through the shield causing significant damage, of which the impossible happens, a “failsafe” hibernation pod’s ‘time chip’ fries…and wakes Jim (a mechanic) 90 years too early.

Imagine the concept. How is it any different than living aboard earth, the spacecraft you’re on right now? Onlyyyy… you share a dream with about 8 billion other passengers. And in this dream you wake up before 8 billion other people, realizing that… you’re alone. Everyone is as good as dead and there’s nothing you can do about it. Or is there?

After a year Jim is alone on this starship the pressure is weighing and desperation is calling. An idea emerges. Jim begins to investigate a hope and possibility of making the rest of his life meaningful, but at the risk of taking the meaning out of someone else’s life. So Jim kills everyone. Okay you got me, that was a joke. Just making sure you’re paying attention.

If you like what you’re reading, consider following our blog and I’ll see you in the next “Under Pressure” post where I’ll continue this life riveting concept.

T4P Ministry|Xtian Philosophy

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