SPIRITUALITY

Wheelchair

LIFE

"How could a loving God let this happen to me (or anyone else)?" That question is not uncommon when people suffer a catastrophic injuries, have children with severe birth defects, or find themselves in the midst of great suffering. The answers are myriad, and have been the subject of much debate. I'll share my perspective here – a perspective that's helped me cope with the incredible life changes that occur when one goes from spectacularly healthy and independent, to a state of dependant paralysis. It may not be helpful to anyone else, but I offer it just in case it may be.

We all have sufferings, great and small. Some suffer to a much greater degree. Everyone who is able to read or hear this, probably suffers a lot less than a great many people. Likewise, everyone living in a first-world country, could be a lot worse off. Sometimes the suffering we endure is the result of our own doing. Sometimes it is not. In any regard, we have to remember that suffering is relative, and that we, as human beings, are capable of enduring more than we know. If one believes that our souls last for eternity (whether in heaven, through reincarnation, or in some other state), then our time here on earth, in these bodies, is but a mere blink of an eye. If someone lives to be 100 and suffers non-stop misery their entire life, that would only be one ten thousandth of a million years. In the grand scheme of things, I figure I can endure some hardship for the rest of my time on this planet, in this body. Especially because, although living life in a wheelchair is not easy, I'm not exactly suffering all the time. There are a great many things in my LIFE that bring me joy, satisfaction, pleasure, happiness, and even ecstasy. It's only when we compare our fate to others' that we begin to think that we are being cheated (sometimes to a point where it affects one's attitude, such that it taints his or her outlook and ability to enjoy).

I don't believe that God "gives" us pain or suffering. I believe he allows it to happen, as part of the amazing gift of free will (though, sometimes he intervenes, when asked). Any time there are choices, there are consequences. Who are we to say that life would be any better if we were without suffering? In fact, I believe resoundingly that we would not appreciate how good we have things if we did not witness and endure some suffering of our own. Life is about taking the good with the bad. Maybe the way we deal with the bad (misfortune, pain, and suffering) is God's way of deciding what lies in store for us in the afterlife. I don't know ... I've never been there. But I'm willing to believe that God – the creator of this wonderful, staggeringly-complex world – has a master plan that is inconceivable to humans, and far greater than we can imagine. Much like we couldn't imagine life outside the womb. If I have to endure some pain and some difficulty along the way, well, I can do that. Maybe it will make the good even better. Who are we to know? Judgments in the abstract are essentially worthless. Because we are not privy to the grand plan, our own judgments about what is 'unjustifiable suffering' are also worthless.

Everyone has his or her own beliefs. Unfortunately, a lot of people believe they have a monopoly on the truth. They believe theirs is the one "true" belief. When it comes to religion or spirituality, it's not my style to tell people what they must believe (that usually turns people off right away).

We're all human and we all make mistakes. I'm not one to preach, to tell someone their religion is wrong, or that they are "sinners" (we all are). I happen to believe ... rather strongly ... in Jesus Christ. But I'm also willing to accept that my particular brand of Christianity, my beliefs, could be in error. I've gone through the rigorous mental exercise of searching, and discernment, and I've also sensed the presence of the Lord. So I don't happen to believe I'm wrong. But I don't think that I'm inerrant, and I accept the possibility that my understanding could be wrong. I've chosen a path, and I plan to follow it ... until my creator, or experiences, convinces me otherwise. I will always evaluate where I am, and what I think God has in store for me. He created us with minds to think, and the ability to make choices. I think he intended for us to use those minds, and if we don't we are not making the most of a wonderful gift. We're wasting God's blessing.

Instead of talking a big game, I prefer to live my life inspired, and hope that I can serve as a good example, a testament to my belief. I know that I'm not perfect (far from it). I make many mistakes, and far too often succumb to worldly pressures and desires.  At times I act inconsistent with my beliefs. But it is my sincere hope that I live the bulk of my life in a way that serves as an example and proclaims the Gospel of Christ. I hope that I live a full and good life, so that others might say to themselves, "What makes him so happy, and so loved." And I hope rather deeply that in the end the Lord will say to me, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

This website was inspired by a desire to give back, to all children of God, for all the blessings I've received. My life is not perfect, but I have much for which to be thankful. My faith has been a big part of what has kept me going, and striving to do better. Without it, I could not make it.

I know it's kind of corny, but the three "F"s have sustained me and given me strength. They are: Faith, Family, and Friends. The three "F"s have allowed me to persevere  (as my buddy Doug would quote Lone Watie, I "Endeavor to persevere"). We all want to be cool, and we want everyone think we are in control and on top of things. But the truth is we really are not. I take great solace and comfort in my relationship with Christ, and the Father. When you give in to the calling of the Lord, life is somehow easier ... even for us "control freaks."

I've spent quite a bit of time, money, and effort in putting this site together. But I feel it is a type of ministry for me, because I've been blessed and able to live a rewarding, enjoyable life since breaking my neck in 1985. I feel a desire (and an obligation) to share what I've learned. If this site makes just one person's life better, it will all have been worth while. And if even one person is inspired to seek Christ, as a result of anything on this site, then I will be extremely happy, and my project will be a true success.

I'm not saying you have to believe the way I do. I'm not even saying you have to believe. I only hope that people who read this will remain open to the possibility that finding God and accepting Christ could just be the way. And I hope this site provides you a means to see there is a better way to living life in a wheelchair. And there is a better way to living life ... with an eye toward heaven.

By the way, an excellent book that has helped millions of people see life more clearly is Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life. I recommend it, as a life-changing influence.

Peace,

Fritz

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I find these amusing, and somewhat thought-provoking