Making Sense of Suffering

I'm sorry the picture is blurry

A friend in high school gave me a copy of Making Sense of Suffering by Wayne E. Brickey. If I recall correctly, the author was her uncle. He wrote a personalized message to me inside the book, wishing me success on my "hero's journey." I know I have read bits and pieces of the book before, but this was my first time reading it cover to cover.

Although a lot of the book seemed repetetive and wordy, I thought its core message was very good. The author used certain symbolism throughout the book that really made me think. For example, he talks about how every person on this earth is royalty, and we ought to always remember that. He pointed out that when someone is sick--usually a point when that person is very low--we annoint them with oil, something reserved for only kings of old. Thus, when a person feeling very low is being annointed, we are reminded that this person is royalty. I really liked that thought.

This last Sunday, a member of my ward commented that he didn't believe trials were for our good. He said that he believes we can gain good things during trials, but trials themselves are not good. After reading this book, I have to disagree. Honestly, trials terrify me. I don't want any more trials, especially severe ones. But I do want to become to man God wants me to be. The best thing about trials is that they don't last forever, but their effects on our character can. Christ's pain and suffering is over, but the effects of His sacrifice continue to bless the world. Likewise, if I endure my trials well, they will be but for a small moment, but through them I can be exalted on high.