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Never Give Up!

Unbelievable is what I thought when I heard the sad news yesterday that the superintendent of the Chicago Schools was found dead. The coroner ruled his death a suicide. My heart went out to his wife and family. What could drive a man to take his own life? He had a plum job, a good education and a family. Yet he felt so pressured by concerns that he might be indicted that he couldn’t see beyond his present troubles to a more hopeful future.

He had climbed the ladder of success. However at the top he saw that his ladder was leaning on the wrong wall. He may have made a mistake. He may have gotten in some trouble. However to end his life in such a way is tragic. I am going to assume that he really did not understand the forgiveness that God gives. No matter how we mess up, bungle our lives, make mistakes or are outright defiant there is a God who forgives. I’m not saying there are not consequences for our actions. I am saying that we can turn to God when there seems to be no way out. God remembers that we are dust Many times I think I’m dustier than most. Nevertheless I keep going to God and God keeps forgiving me.

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