With countless questions left unanswered for generations, one of the burning inquisitions that many of us have endured is: why does God take the good ones? With loved ones passing far too soon, or feeling as if we have been abandoned by Providence, this has been an age-old question that has tested our faith and shaken our spiritual foundations. Throughout time, the question of why the good, virtuous, and kind are taken earlier than those who have committed atrocities, is often one that is met with confusion and bewilderment. What does Fate have planned and intended for us? Could there be a larger, unseen picture of ultimate goodness in store? If so, what is it? This article will explore this timeless mystery and the implications it has had on religious, moral, and ethical thought throughout history.
1. The Mystery of Good Souls Cut Short
The mysteries of life are many, and they include the unexpected departure of the best among us. It’s a heartbreaking concept, and one that baffles us as we try to make sense of it all.
It’s easy to have a skewed idea of how long the good will last; tragedy blurs the lines of a bright and shining picture. But when the news of a beloved person’s passing arrives, the light of their life suddenly vanishes from the equation.
- The effects of a good soul’s passing are far-reaching. The people they touched during their life bear the weight of the loss, and their absence leaves a void in countless lives. Though the grief is overwhelming, so is the appreciation for having known them.
- Memories are a gift. Even in heartbreaking times, the memories of a good soul are beautifully comforting. People take solace in the thought-provoking conversations, the laughs shared, and the stories passed down.
- Thoughts become tribute. The good that’s left in a good soul’s wake is overwhelming. For each life lost, there are many more that they have enriched with their kindness, their guidance, and their courage.
transcends all understanding. But with respect, appreciation, and tribute for the amazing impact they made, their life carries an undeniable worth.
2. Examining the Reasons Behind the Taking of the “Good Ones”
We’ve all heard them before; the age old adages of “the good ones always go first” and “only the best die young”. We shrug them off as a means of providing comfort in times of loss, but when we take time to dive deeper into the minutiae of these sayings, we can begin to uncover why they mean so much more.
When considering the reasons behind why good ones go first, a crucial aspect we can’t ignore is the role of risk. It could be accurately said that overall, the more risks someone takes, the more good they could potentially bring into the world. A successful risk-taker could bring about monumental changes in their industry, and quite often, that risk is inherently tethered to a person’s life. By taking these risks, they may be putting their own life at risk as well.
Another factor we must consider is the selfless nature of good people. Though the concept of taking on risks is undoubtedly part of it, the will to sacrifice one’s own desires for the greater good of others is also a factor. Good ones to tend to be more humble and selfless, and sometimes, that selflessness may lead to them taking on tasks which may be perilous for themselves.
Finally, the idea of pure luck cannot be discounted. Some might view it as an unfair notion, but we cannot deny the sheer randomness and unpredictability of life. Every day, we are reminded of the fragility of life, and the events that dictate our paths may be beyond our control. This, to an extent, is why we do not understand why good ones go; we cannot control fate and misfortune.
3. Exploring the Possibility of a Greater Purpose
Sometimes it can feel like the world, our lives, and our current circumstances have no deeper meaning or purpose. But, there’s something endlessly fascinating about the idea that there might be some universal truth that lies beneath the surface – a greater purpose that we could all unearth if we looked deeply enough.
The philosophical question of a greater purpose has been pondered for centuries. Turned over like distant stars in the night sky, hopeful minds have endlessly searched both tumbled rocks and tomes for some deep truth – a hidden explanation that will give us all a peace of understanding.
- We can find insight in our dreams – often, what might seem like abstract, abstract thoughts could be the seeds of great understanding. Keep a dream journal close by and record any inexplicable insight.
- Go beyond what you already know – explore unfamiliar areas of study and uncover paths that expand your knowledge. Whether you consult ancient texts or take a course at a local university, there’s always more to learn.
- Stay questioning – it’s essential to have an open mind and be prepared to expand your current beliefs. Receive other perspectives as valuable sources of wisdom and truth in order to uncover and explore a deeper purpose.
Ultimately, any attempt to uncover a greater purpose is driven by a personal need for meaning and understanding. Refining this process of discovery requires clarity and a willingness to be open to any outcome. But, if you look deeply enough, you might just find the hidden truth of the universe.
4. Searching for Answers in Traumatic Times
These days can be really tough: a pandemic has changed the way we live, we are struggling to adjust, and we might feel overwhelmed and lost. Questions arise when our situation is uncertain – how do I get through this? How can I find answers?
Know You Are Not Alone
- It can be really difficult and lonely in a traumatic moment, but you are not alone. Connect with those you trust and with those who understand your struggle.
- Sometimes speaking to a therapist can be helpful when you cannot find answers on your own.
Search for Support and Resources
- Look for organizations that offer assistance during this time.
- Advocate for yourself and do not be afraid to ask for help.
- Do your research on reputable sources and get familiar with what is out there.
Understand that Progress Comes in Small Steps
- It’s OK if progress feels slow. Keep reminding yourself of the small positive steps you’ve made and allow yourself to move forward.
- Set realistic expectations for yourself and allow time for healing.
- Everything takes time, and nothing is as fast as you’d like, especially in traumatic times.
5. Coping Without Fully Understanding
Life has a habit of unexpectedly upending our expectations. On a smaller scale, it could be a surprise bill or a car that stops working; on a larger scale, it could be a massive life change that blindsides us.
Coping with the trials and tribulations of life without understanding everything that’s going on can be incredibly difficult. Despite facing these difficulties, here are a few ways to still thrive:
- Accept What You Can’t Control: Failing to recognize that you cannot control some events and outcomes can turn a manageable challenge into a daunting and overwhelming endeavor.
- Focus on What You CAN Control: Although you may not be able to avert every difficulty, recognizing the aspects of a situation that you can change or manage can help you adjust your perspective.
Invaluable resources can be found in friends, family, or online support systems. It’s important to know that someone is there for you in a time of need. It can be incredibly helpful to find solace in developing relationships with people who may have experienced a similar difficulty. Having a support system can teach you valuable coping skills that can be used in any situation.
6. The Comfort of Knowing Others Are Mourning Too
When death strikes, nothing can take away the sadness and grief that come with it. It can often feel like no one understands what you’re feeling and that you’re alone in your mourning. The reality is frequently far from this – there is often comfort to be found in the fact that you’re not alone in your grief.
One way to draw this comfort is to consider the many people who have undoubtedly been affected by the death of a loved one. Family members might be mourning the death of a parent or grandparent. Close friends can be grieving a life-long companion. There could even be thousands of people mourning the death of a famous public figure.
For those already dealing with the pain of loss, an understanding of this collective sadness can bring comfort. After all, what could be more reassuring than knowing hundreds or thousands of others are going through the same thing as you? It can provide assurance in a time of distress, helping one not to feel so isolated in their grief.
Grief is a complex emotion, and can be helpful in different stages of the grieving process. From the shock of the initial news to the fluctuation of emotions over the long-term, having empathy for others and understanding the empathy others have for you can be healing and bring a sense of solace.
7. Reaching Out for Support in the Aftermath
No matter what has happened, it is always essential to open up to those that you trust and seek out support in disasters. After a traumatic experience, people are often left feeling isolated, alone or even embarrassed to speak out and thus it’s especially necessary to remind yourself that there are individuals that are available to help.
The first step is to identify who you can confide in, someone who you trust, maybe a family member, a friend, a teacher or a counselor. It’s important that these people can sympathize and understand your experience, rather than passing judgement. Having a comfortable and safe environment to express your emotions is key to the recovery process, and you don’t have to go through it alone.
Participating in support groups is a great way to support yourself. This can be in-person or even online. Connect with others that have experienced or are experiencing similar issues. Sharing stories, experiences and gaining insight can help heal not just yourself, but also those around you.
If you’re not sure who to talk to, or don’t feel comfortable talking to someone, there are other options, such as:
- Therapy – Talking to a professional therapist can be beneficial to learn how to better cope and learn valuable information on how to move forward.
- Journaling – Writing down your thoughts can help you express yourself and have a physical copy of your feelings for when it doesn’t feel safe to talk.
- Disaster Relief Hotlines – Hotlines are also another form of direct support and are staffed with trained professionals who can provide specific resources and help to those who need it.
Taking the steps to help yourself in the face of disaster is brave. Don’t be afraid to reach out.
Life is full of surprises, but death, especially when taken too soon, can leave painful ripples throughout the lives of those left behind. As for why God takes the good ones, it remains a mystery. Ultimately, it is our faith that helps us remain comforted in times of grief and find solace in knowing that our loved ones are now in a better place, even if a little too soon.