a-moore3, I agree. There are so many horrible things happening in the world today. Everything looks so bleak. I wonder through all these things, where is God? Why is he not showing himself in the midst of such tragedy.

I believe that bad things are done by those who are not in touch with God. God, to me, is available as a source of strength and enlightenment. Given we are human, we cannot avoid suffering and/or death. Is it the responsibility of God to get you that date with the girl/guy you want to go out with? Is it in God’s hands to get you that job you really want? I don’t think so- your life is a series of events, of cause and effect. Simply put- God is not to be confused with a Genie who makes our lives perfect, with everything we want, with no real effort on our part.