The Ugly side of humanity in Terri Schiavo's case

It's been very distressing since I started following the happenings in the Terri Schiavo's case a couple of weeks ago. More distressing than the Sep 11 attack on the twin towers of WTC in New York, more incomprehensible than the terrorists' beheading of Nick Berg, more difficult to swallow than the physical humiliation of Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib prision in Baghdad.

My heartfelt prayers go out to Terri's family members and their loved ones, who must have felt helpless being bullied from one corner to another by the actions or inactions of the parties involved. As a father of daughters, I can understand how Mr Bob Schindler feels.

To Mr & Mrs Bob Schindler, family members & loved ones who have stood by Terri:

It's difficult to understand the basis of justice that has been applied to the court decisions. I would have been very disappointed if not for the fact that I have known long ago that any hope for a fair and just system in this fallen world remains just a hope at best. Justice in this world can be biased & but God's justice can never be. Be assured that God's ultimate justice will prevail. Be strong in this time, seeking the Lord and renewing your strength through Him. Let not what has happened result in any bitterness or hatred which will, in no uncertain terms, rob you of the peace, joy and abundant life that God has intended for you, his children.

God has given you and the world Terri. You have no doubt seen Terri grow from a little baby to a beautiful woman. There must have been many moments of joy shared with this woman who is now an icon of strength and hope for many of us. Think of these moments and cherish them. They are yours to keep and can never be taken away from you by any court order.

Terri, meek, gentle and incapable of fending for herself, has effectively put her persecutors to an indescribable level of shame & guilt by just being herself. Jesus did not condemn the world when crucified by his accusors, but instead asked God to forgive them. I am sure Terri knows what is in store for her in heaven, and would have asked God to do the same.

Be thankful that Terri has lived a life thus far that you can be proud of. Any sensible parent would have been proud to have a daughter like Terri.

I know your anguish & emotions cannot be expressed in words. In closing, I have the following verses for you, which are quoted from New International Version of the Bible:

Romans 12: 14-21
¹⁴Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ¹⁶Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

¹⁷Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. ¹⁸If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord. ²⁰On the contrary: If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. ²¹Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Let the above verses be true, not only of Terri, but all of you who love her.

May God bless you all now and hereafter,

Thomas

Category: cf_hs