Blessed or cursed or something else

[littlenothing]

I feel I know the answer to this, but I just want confirmation I guess. Why does it seem that some people are so richly blessed and others, for lack of a better word, cursed. If you are one of the ones whose life his always hard, the kind of life about which people sometimes say, “Boy, she’s really got it rough”, how can it be other than God having favorites and you’re not it? I know, God doesn’t choose favorites. But how can the “cursed” person really trust that all the time?

I hope that makes sense to someone with an answer for me. Thank you.

 

[Samson01]

How can one guage another like this…Some have said I was really “unlucky” getting cancer at 32…then the deaths of my parents among a few other things. But what I can offer now is precious I like to think. At least to me. Pain has been my friend in this. Samson

 

[Della]

Our senior pastor addressed very concern in his homily. He said that whatever comes into our lives God permits it in order to help us gain our salvation.

We always have to keep the big picture in mind and remember what is the ultimate goal of our lives on earth. It isn’t to win prizes or get wealthy or have everything our way, it’s to be perfected in love and united with God.

Even those whose lives seem to be blessed more than others have their crosses to bear–ones we don’t necessarily see. No one gets a free ride or doesn’t suffer something–we all must walk the way of the cross in one way or the other. So, if you or someone you know is having a hard time of it, know that God loves us infinitely–too much to not let us suffer so that we can repent of our sins, rid ourselves of our faults and come to perfection. No matter what form the process takes for each of us, it is the best one for us, for God knows each one, what he needs and what he can endure. So, we put everything into his merciful hands and trust him.

I hope that helps you. :console:

 

[Damien88]

Just accept it as God’s plan for us. People always see my family as a rich and happy family. Even my girlfriend sees it like that. But actually there are big problems in my family especially regarding my parents marriage and my father’s health. All which I only knew recently. But I accept all that as something where God is asking me to strengthen my faith and prayer life

 

[itullian]

i do think there is a force in the world, for lack of a better description, that for some reason, works to deliberately foil some peoples efforts or plans to have or do what they desire.

i can’t explain who or what it is, but it’s there.

some people are always running uphill and everything is so difficult where others just have that “luck” thing.

i have an uncle that was a totally selfish, self absorbed human being, and no matter what he did he always had the luck.

lose a job, another one came along
heart attack, stint, medicine, surgery, all went perfectly and with little pain
cancer–caught in time, removed, no chemo needed
always the charm

for others, never the luck.
my aunt, who was a saint, never a break. always sick and other problems

so i’m at a loss too, but there is something going on and i don’t like it.

people can philosophize that its a blessing/curse whatever, that’s up for grabs.
we can accept what we choose to.

ultimately, we don’t know.
we can just pray and stay close to God and hope.

i guess.

 

[littlenothing]

i do think there is a force in the world, for lack of a better description, that for some reason, works to deliberately foil some peoples efforts or plans to have or do what they desire.

i can’t explain who or what it is, but it’s there.

some people are always running uphill and everything is so difficult where others just have that “luck” thing.

i have an uncle that was a totally selfish, self absorbed human being, and no matter what he did he always had the luck.

lose a job, another one came along
heart attack, stint, medicine, surgery, all went perfectly and with little pain
cancer–caught in time, removed, no chemo needed
always the charm

for others, never the luck.
my aunt, who was a saint, never a break. always sick and other problems

so i’m at a loss too, but there is something going on and i don’t like it.

people can philosophize that its a blessing/curse whatever, that’s up for grabs.
we can accept what we choose to.

ultimately, we don’t know.
we can just pray and stay close to God and hope.

i guess.

Si capiche.

 

[Robertanthony]

Someone mentioned “running uphill”, I recently thought of my life, what summed it up nicely is “swimming upstream”. It pretty much boils down to your genetic makeup, what you’re given at birth or there about. In addition, some seem to have planets rightly aligned for them (so to speak, I think horoscope is rubbish), but being born with talents (I was not), potential (neither), right family environment (uncheck), having a well-functioning brain (I don’t), well-functioning psyche (I don’t), lineage of functionality (I don’t), anyway, there are objective elements that are conducive to success, happiness, a life that’s fulfilling and fun to live. I don’t know if it’s God, the devil, my parents, an obscure, hidden force (fate?, destiny?), simply my bad genes expressing themselves, I just know that I was never given a real break. I’m not actively cursed, it’s more God letting life be life, my genes expressing themselves, letting my past and my personality makeup keep me tied to a (short) leash tied to a stake. At times I’ve cursed my life, these days I tolerate it but I’ll never love it. Some are simply objectively carved out for a life such as this one, for others like me it’s more of a struggle and a chore.

 

[littlenothing]

Someone mentioned “running uphill”, I recently thought of my life, what summed it up nicely is “swimming upstream”. It pretty much boils down to your genetic makeup, what you’re given at birth or there about. In addition, some seem to have planets rightly aligned for them (so to speak, I think horoscope is rubbish), but being born with talents (I was not), potential (neither), right family environment (uncheck), having a well-functioning brain (I don’t), well-functioning psyche (I don’t), lineage of functionality (I don’t), anyway, there are objective elements that are conducive to success, happiness, a life that’s fulfilling and fun to live. I don’t know if it’s God, the devil, my parents, an obscure, hidden force (fate?, destiny?), simply my bad genes expressing themselves, I just know that I was never given a real break. I’m not actively cursed, it’s more God letting life be life, my genes expressing themselves, letting my past and my personality makeup keep me tied to a (short) leash tied to a stake. At times I’ve cursed my life, these days I tolerate it but I’ll never love it. Some are simply objectively carved out for a life such as this one, for others like me it’s more of a struggle and a chore.

Yeah, alot of that hits home for me too. Most of the time I think its just my share in Jesus’ Agony and I should feel honored to be there. Then I wonder if im not just trying to make myself believe im special to Him when im not. In fact, lately I have thanked Him for my tough life because I don’t take insults and blame badly. It might have given me a tougher skin. And I don’t mind deprivation. But its a good existential question just the same. Some days I know the answer, other days I feel I forgot it.

 

[littlenothing]

Just accept it as God’s plan for us. People always see my family as a rich and happy family. Even my girlfriend sees it like that. But actually there are big problems in my family especially regarding my parents marriage and my father’s health. All which I only knew recently. But I accept all that as something where God is asking me to strengthen my faith and prayer life

Yes, people don’t always see the truth. Im sorry your father is ill. And if there were marital problems, the illness might strain things more. But it may also
allow the family a greater closeness or understanding. That’s the trouble… its so hard to know. Yes, we should accept it as Gods plan or allowance. I also sometimes want to ask Him though, to really have an understanding. I think big bumps in the road are like that. Him drawing us closer, that is. But endless struggles? That’s just harder to figure out.

 

[littlenothing]

Our senior pastor addressed very concern in his homily. He said that whatever comes into our lives God permits it in order to help us gain our salvation.

We always have to keep the big picture in mind and remember what is the ultimate goal of our lives on earth. It isn’t to win prizes or get wealthy or have everything our way, it’s to be perfected in love and united with God.
onsole:

My confessor once told me that, too, and I don’t doubt it in the least. Its the second part that isn’t what I had in mind. I don’t mean wealth or recognition or anything like that. Maybe I should have been more clear. The hardships its hard to understand are things like betrayal, addictions of loved ones, infertility, untimely deaths. Things that any thinking person would look at and say, “oh my!” And be thankful it wasn’t them.
Its hard to understand people having to continually withstand these things that are, quite frankly, much bigger problems than not having a comfortable income.

 

[littlenothing]

How can one guage another like this…Some have said I was really “unlucky” getting cancer at 32…then the deaths of my parents among a few other things. But what I can offer now is precious I like to think. At least to me. Pain has been my friend in this. Samson

You have spoken wisely, my friend, and with the trust of a child. Blessed are you.

 

[Della]

My confessor once told me that, too, and I don’t doubt it in the least. Its the second part that isn’t what I had in mind. I don’t mean wealth or recognition or anything like that. Maybe I should have been more clear. The hardships its hard to understand are things like betrayal, addictions of loved ones, infertility, untimely deaths. Things that any thinking person would look at and say, “oh my!” And be thankful it wasn’t them.
Its hard to understand people having to continually withstand these things that are, quite frankly, much bigger problems than not having a comfortable income.

It’s always harder to see someone else suffer because we can do little to nothing about it, yes? We can pray for them and be there for them, of course. In the end, though, each of us has to deal with whatever comes our way and let others do what they need to do about their own lives. Trying to carrry everyone’s burdens isn’t fair because it does the other person no good and makes it harder for us to be useful to them.

A nun I know once said we shouldn’t to ask God why did this, that or the other happen, but rather to ask what----what do you want me to do in this circumstance, Lord? Jesus told us this life will be one of suffering, whether it be our own or loved ones, so that’s a given. It’s how we react to it that matters. Will we step up, trust God and do what we can to help or will we just get angry and bitter, helping no one, not even ourselves? We have the choice.

Whatever suffering you are seeing in other’s lives I hope they will be aleviated. We’ve got a lot of prayer warriors here. If you post a request people will pray. Add me to the list.

 

[littlenothing]

Youre on my list, Della. Ill pray for you. I like what the nun said. Although I can’t help but ask why sometimes, I also need to add the what!

 

[Trishie]

I feel I know the answer to this, but I just want confirmation I guess. Why does it seem that some people are so richly blessed and others, for lack of a better word, cursed. If you are one of the ones whose life his always hard, the kind of life about which people sometimes say, “Boy, she’s really got it rough”, how can it be other than God having favorites and you’re not it? I know, God doesn’t choose favorites. But how can the “cursed” person really trust that all the time?

I hope that makes sense to someone with an answer for me. Thank you.

St Pio made a response to that question in one of his letters:

“What does it matter whether Jesus wishes to guide you to heaven by the way of the desert or by the fields, so long as you get there by one way or the other? Put away excessive worrying which results from trials by which the good Lord has desired to test you; and if this is not possible resign yourself to the divine will.”

He also wrote: “Each soul…is a stone destined to build up the eternal edifice…it has to be polished with the blows of hammer and chisel…these hits of the chisel are the shadows, the fears, the temptations, the afflictions of the spirit, the spiritual tremors with some aroma of desolation, and also physical illness.”

He did also say: “Be certain that the more a soul loves God, the less he feels it…God is incomprehensible…so that the more a soul enters into the love of this Supreme Good…this sentiment of love towards Him seems to diminish, to the point of seeming to love Him not at all…Say rather that you love, and that you wish to love with a perfect and consummate love. This good cannot be obtained in its completion except in the next life!”

However St Pio wasn’t harsh about this, as he wrote, “If I know that a person is afflicted in mind and body, what would I not do to see him freed from his ills, I would willingly take on all his afflictions in order to see him freed, giving up in his favor… the fruits of such suffering if the Lord would permit me.” [Letters 1, no. 184]

And the bible:

“I think that what we suffer in this life can never be compared to the glory, as yet unrevealed, which is waiting for us.” [Romans 8:18] “Happy the person who stands firm when trials come. He has proved himself, and will win the prize of life, the crown that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” [James 1:12] “Through your faith, God’s power will guard you until the salvation which has been prepared is revealed…to bear being plagued by all sorts of trials; so that, when Jesus Christ is revealed, your faith will have been tested and proved like gold.” [1Peter 1:5-7]

“Console yourself with the Lord’s promise to repay ‘twice over with blessing’ for all we have suffered.” [Zechariah 9:12] “Yes, the troubles which are soon over…train us for a weight of eternal glory which is out of all proportion to them.” [1Corinthians 4:17] Therefore, “be patient…until the Lord’s coming. Think of a farmer, how patiently he waits for the precious fruit of the ground until it has the autumn rains and the spring rains. [James 5:7] For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. Psalm 90:4

It doesn’t feel like much consolation when one is suffering deeply and endlessly, but sometimes these promises of God help us to survive.

 

[Amiciel]

Here is an excerpt from Mother Angelica’s reflection on the 2nd station of the Way of the Cross. It may give us additional insights on the trials of life:

"… My worldly concept is that suffering, like food, should be shared equally. How ridiculous I am, dear Lord. Just as we do not all need the same amount of material food, neither do we need the same amount of spiritual food and that is what the cross is in my life, isn’t it - spiritual food proportional to my needs."

Link to the complete reflection of Mother Angelica: www.ewtn.com/devotionals/stations/stat2.htm

Too, our trials, accepted with love, are redemptive. They are great opportunities for us to participate more fully with Our Lord’s mission to save souls. The lives of saints reveal that their time on earth was full of sufferings, too. And one day, hopefully, with God’s grace, we shall be with them in heaven. When this happens, we know that our sufferings helped us (and perhaps other people, too) to get there.

 

[littlenothing]

Amiciel and Trishie: perfect quotes from two of my favorite saints… Because Mother Angelica surely will be…thank you.

 

[Holly3278]

Well, I know of a Bible passage that I think might give some insight into this. Here it is:

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
(Matthew 5:44-45 RSV-CE)

I am not sure how to interpret this passage in light of the subject for some reason it just seems relevant.

That said, I think it is important to remember that if we live a righteous and holy life and die in a state of grace, we will receive our reward in Heaven. In fact, Heaven itself is a reward. As for the wicked, they will go to Hell if they die in a state of mortal sin. So, keep in mind that while things may seem unjust here on earth, things will be perfectly just in the life to come.

 

[Shannon46]

It may seem like some people are more blessed because of financial success or in better health than those who struggle to survive, and those who do struggle to get by aren’t really cursed and I don’t believe God would play favorites either, however I do think we are living in an unbalanced world.

 

[Biblelove13]

Our senior pastor addressed very concern in his homily. He said that whatever comes into our lives God permits it in order to help us gain our salvation.

We always have to keep the big picture in mind and remember what is the ultimate goal of our lives on earth. It isn’t to win prizes or get wealthy or have everything our way, it’s to be perfected in love and united with God.

Even those whose lives seem to be blessed more than others have their crosses to bear–ones we don’t necessarily see. No one gets a free ride or doesn’t suffer something–we all must walk the way of the cross in one way or the other. So, if you or someone you know is having a hard time of it, know that God loves us infinitely–too much to not let us suffer so that we can repent of our sins, rid ourselves of our faults and come to perfection. No matter what form the process takes for each of us, it is the best one for us, for God knows each one, what he needs and what he can endure. So, we put everything into his merciful hands and trust him.

I hope that helps you. :console:

Amen to that! I recently realized that the pier piper in my life, someon I thought was my friend but tempted me to evil, served a purpose; they indirectly brought me to Him. Although they first led me to evil, I saw my wrongdoIng and repented. I used to think “how could this prrson be allowed to tempt me so” but now I see it’s all part of His plan. Hey, as long as I’m being brought closer to Him, it’s good for me