Death hits home again

For the rest of the story, see media links at the bottom of this post. I've also included a link to a photo album posted on Facebook. Thank you, Brian (on 2007.10.09 Tuesday)

Monday, October 1, 2007

Timothy and Joshua Schrauger, ages 14 and 17, were killed in a car accident on Saturday afternoon. Professionals at the scene believe their deaths were instantaneous.

The Detroit News has just posted an article with details: Deaths add to family's trials: Teens die in crash as GI brother heals. (Click on the title to see the online report.)

Timothy and Joshua are the youngest sons of my brother, Cliff, and his wife, Vicki. Their oldest son, David, is still fighting to recover from life-threatening wounds incurred last June. He is in the army and was serving in Iraq where a Humvee in which he was riding hit an IED.

Pictured Left to Right: Vicki and Cliff Schrauger, Kate (David's fiancé),
Joshua and Timothy Schrauger

You can read David's story in the post I wrote, Radical Islam hits home. That same post includes directions to the online blog of David's story. And now, as well, the first announcement of his youngest brothers' deaths.

David Schrauger's fiancé, Kate, greets him in the
Brook Army Medical Center near San Antonio, Texas

I am leaving Jerusalem tonight instead of this coming Saturday, arriving in Detroit, Michigan early Tuesday morning. Timothy and Joshua's combined funeral is Thursday afternoon, October 4.

I'm not certain, but I think the service will be held in their school's auditorium: Lake Orian High School near Pontiac, Michigan.

On a personal note, I cannot help but wonder: during this trip to Israel, starting our new program, death has struck my partner's family and my own. Greg's mother died about a week ago.

I know that my nephews' deaths are not about me. But I too have had a son die. No parent should have to go through this lifelong amputation of the soul.

And so I ask and wonder, "G-d, wasn't one Schrauger child enough? What is going on? And why? I know that you are good, but your goodness is to me an almost terrifying mystery. But. To whom else shall I turn? Who else can I fully trust with my messy, raw and wounded heart? Only you. Only you."

Standing with my horrified family, and together in the need of prayer,

Brian

Post Script on Tuesday, October 9, 2007:
Here are several links to media reports that tell the rest of this story.Each one is very well done. The last link is to a personal photo album.Thank you for your generous expressions of love expressed to all our family.

1. Two sons killed in traffic accident, October 2, 2007: Article and video reports
   
2. Things will never be the same, October 5, 2007: Article and photos
3. Farewell friends: 2 brothers remembered, October 5, 2007: Article and photos
4. Death of 2 sons only part of the story, October 7, 2007: Article
5. Schrauger family days: portraits of love and sorrow, a personal photo album
   

Is Jesus G-d?

May 31, 2007

It's a biggie. But this question is not my primary problem with G-d.

Still, no doubt: the issue is a sizzler. About 12 days ago an Israeli news agency reported: Chief Rabbinate Finalizes Ban on Christian Women's Conference. The facts are pretty clear. Israel's Chief Rabbinate (CR) issued a ban forbidding Jewish participation in two "Christian-sponsored conferences." The reason? In spite of advertised objectives to focus on social issues, the CR decided that both events were subtle attempts to persuade Jews "that Jesus is Messiah."

Neither conference was cancelled, however. And last week all sponsors announced success.

But oh the uproar that this ban provoked. Is Jesus the Messiah? Is he G-d?. In 131 Talkbacks there was a scathing storm of words. People on all sides of the issue called each other liars, idolaters and traitors.

It was nauseating. Not because people embrace different answers than I. And not because of anyone's intensity or passion. This question is anything but easy. Arguably it's not even nice. Those who wrestle with it should be fighting hard.

But for heaven's sake with G-d, not each other! Why? Because the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob blessed his people by naming them Israel, a wonderfully descriptive word that means "he who contends with G-d." It is a designation that is an invitation too.

The idea of G-d inviting us to wrestle shocks a lot of people. In fact I think it's self-evident that most monotheists believe G-d is someone to whom we must submit or die.

The word Islam, for example, means submission--although Muslims are hardly the only ones who approach G-d from this paradigm. Many if not most Christians believe the only way to G-d is submit or die. Sure they have different dogmas than Islam, but it's still submit-or-die.

And moi? As a defendant in G-d's Court of Law here's my affidavit: Jesus is the Messiah. What's more he is the uniquely singular Son of G-d. Meaning that he is, at once, completely human and completely G-d.

So, this means my faith's at ease because I have "right" answers? Oh sure, life's a breeze. The 10 zillion problems raised by my affirmations don't bother me a bit. Like: if this answer's true, why has G-d allowed so many atrocities in Jesus' name?

Ah, but perhaps my sworn testimony is an attempt to convert those who disagree--or maybe recruit gullibles who've never thought about it, hmm? Right; as if I can change anybody's heart about anything. Shoot, I can't even convert myself to stop eating junk food.

But at the very least doesn't my affirmation mean that I regard myself superior to those who answer differently? G-d forbid. Hear me on this: regardless of your answer, you are alright with me.

Why? Cuz charm is deceitful, beauty is vain, and words alone are cheap. Anyone can say anything. This is Torah truth, not mine: it is the heart G-d's after. And what kind of heart? Get this: a circumcised one; yup, one that's been cut up with a knife, then left wounded and scarred for life.

And that's why my biggest problem with G-d isn't the question about Jesus.

Go ahead, take a look. My wife and I are proud parents to 3 sons. They are wonderfully unique. I love each one so much I would gladly give my life to rescue theirs.

My biggest problem with G-d culminated 7 years ago today. That's when one of our sons died. His name is Taylor and he was four days shy of turning 12 years old.

He didn't die at the hands of evil men or by a sudden accident. Instead for 2 long years he fought a war with cancer. It literally hacked off an entire hip and leg, then maimed his torso too. In spite of all my tearful prayers, G-d did not rescue him from 24 months of torture or from a horrific death.

So what have I done with this, my biggest problem with G-d?

I have done the same thing Taylor always did with me. Even in agony and knowing that I could not take his place, he always accepted my invitation to move toward dad.

Sometimes his fists wailed away at pillows that I used to help absorb the blows. But most of the time my son turned to me and held on tight. Resting his head on my chest, we talked and laughed and cried. Somehow he found nourishment in my heartbroken love. It is the greatest honor I have ever known.

That's why I thank my divine Opponent for naming his people Israel. Sometimes it's tempting, but I don't have time to fight with you. I'm too busy wrestling in muck and mire with G-d, clinging in my woundedness to him, crying out in protest and in pride,

My son! My Son!! MY SON!!!