Cancer’s Unexpected Blessings 576.5
Tony Snow, President Bush's former press secretary, died this weekend from cancer. His views on faith and life, which were written a year before he died, are eloquent and uplifting, and I want to share this excerpt with you.
Blessings arrive in unexpected packages -- in my case, cancer. Those of us with potentially fatal diseases find ourselves in the odd position of coping with our mortality while trying to fathom God's will. Although it would be the height of presumption to declare with confidence What It All Means, Scripture provides powerful hints and consolations.
The first is that we shouldn't spend too much time trying to answer the "why" questions: Why me? Why can't someone else get sick? We can't answer such things, and the questions themselves often are designed more to express our anguish than to solicit an answer.
Second, we need to get past the anxiety. The mere thought of dying can send adrenaline flooding through your system. A dizzy, unfocused panic seizes you. You fear partings; you worry about the impact on family and friends.
Third, we can open our eyes and hearts. We want lives of simple, predictable ease -- smooth, even trails as far as the eye can see -- but God likes to go off-road. He places us in predicaments that seem to defy our endurance and comprehension -- and yet don't.
The natural reaction is to turn to God and ask Him to serve as a cosmic Santa. "Dear God, make it all go away."
But another voice whispers: "You have been called." Your quandary has drawn you closer to God, closer to those you love, closer to the issues that matter.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
* Snow's essay, "Cancer's Unexpected Blessings," was published in Christianity Today. Read the full text here.
Comments
Dear Michael,
The hour is late as these words are penned, yet the sheer, spare force of Tony Snow's words beg commendation. The insights he gleaned through this battle inspire much beyond a particular political position. Whatever my opinion is politically about an issue, I am reminded through his reflections that we are all human, with needs similar and a spiritual yearning.
Thanks for the moving post. To Tony's family, my prayers of condolence and that they see his life as he urged others to.
Sincerely,
Angelae Le'Chastaignier
Posted by: Angelae D. Le'Chastaignier | July 25, 2008 1:59 AM
Michael
What a powerful expression he states in his article so eloquently, simply amazing! Thank you so much for sharing, it touched my soul. My deepest sympathy for his family and friends, it is obvious how deeply he will be missed . . .
Sincerely - Barbara N
Posted by: Barbara N | July 29, 2008 8:27 AM
Though I agree that these sentiments of Tony Snow are satisfying, moving and true, it is important to recognize that, quoting from Hebrew Bible, God requires the heart. In the prophetic tradition this means that each of us demand of ourselves and society that we always be compassionate and just. Given Tony Snow's role as the press secretary to President Bush, whose policies Mr. Snow defended in Iraq but which we all know now were predicated upon lies and deception, and which had the horrible consequences of destroying thousands of innocent American and Iraqi lives in numbers not seen since the Vietnam War, I take strong exception to Mr. Snow's words. The measure of a man or woman isn't built just on saying the right things, but on living a life that would be worthy to stand in God's presence. Sadly, I believe Mr. Snow probably removed himself from consideration by willingly joining onto an administration whose deeds were already clearly based upon deceit.
Posted by: Rabbi John Rosove | July 30, 2008 1:03 PM
Rabbi, why don't you save your political tirade for some other forum. Here is a man who lived and died with honor and decency, which you obviously don't understand, since you find it necessary to engage in a political attack on a dead man. Give it a rest.
Posted by: Bryce Mibeck | July 31, 2008 5:43 PM
Rabbi,
I don't believe it is our right to judge others or to assume someone was involved in deceit. Mr. Snow's words touched me and made me wonder if I could face death with such honesty and honor. "Do not judge anything before the appointed time. Wait until the Lord returns. He will bring to light what is hidden in the dark. He will show the real reason why people do what they do. At that time, each person will receive praise from God." 1 Corinthians 4;5
Posted by: laine Oliver | August 1, 2008 1:23 AM
Amen!
But what else would you expect from someone urging clemency for Tookie Williams.... yikes!
Posted by: EGO | August 1, 2008 9:12 AM
I hope to face the end of my life with the dignity and insight that Mr. Snow exhibited. I believe God is compassionate and just when I face him and review the shortcomings and mistakes I've made in my life and is merciful based on what He sees in my heart. As for the mistakes Mr. Snow has made in his life, perhaps his courage and inspiration to others will be a reason to show mercy and forgiveness.
Posted by: V. Fleming | August 4, 2008 11:24 AM
I don't know how much Tony Snow knew or agreed with the White House. I believe as a Christian man he dedicated himself to do the best he could and to let his light shine before others so they would see his good works and glorify God. It seems to me that God puts us in situations in life that we may not agree with so we can be salt and light to those around us. I believe his testimony shows us that he fulfilled his assignment. It's best that we not judge someone unless we have been in his place and know both he and his circumstances on a firsthand basis.
Posted by: N. Cook | August 11, 2008 4:33 PM
So let me make sure I understand all you critics of Rabbi Rosove: it doesn't matter how a man lives his life as long as he has sentimental thoughts at the end? So, then you all are defenders of Genghis Kahn, Adolf Hitler, Idi Amin, et al?
Did you stop to think that many brave American soldiers and innocent Iraqi civilians had the exact same thoughts as Tony Snow did on their death beds as a result of an unjust war?
The day I hear you all defend dictators, murderers and rapists with the same voracity that you have attacked the Rabbi is the day you have even a semblance of credibility. And note that all of you who espouse the "judge not" philosophy - you are yourself judging!
Posted by: James | August 13, 2008 2:58 PM
So because one (of the many) of Tony Snow's jobs was with an administration they detest, it is more important to declare him guilty by association than it is to express admiration for his work?
Posted by: Thomas | August 19, 2008 11:40 AM