Today I am choosing to write about a controversial topic. I don’t often do this and I’m asking that you keep an open mind.
Many of you have heard about Brittany Maynard who has a brain tumor and is choosing to end her life on November 1st by taking medication provided under Oregon’s death for dignity law. If you have not, please read her story.
I have no idea what kind-of pain Brittany is in right now. To know that she is dying at 29 is tragic, but with that being said, I do not agree with her decision. Many are saying that she is brave and honorable for taking control of her life. They are saying she’s kind and thoughtful for not putting her friends and family through the sadness of watching her die a slow and painful death. While all of this is very sad, I’d like to share a story of pain and suffering, but one also of immense joy.
Blessed Chiara Badano died at age 19 after a two year battle with osteogenic sarconma, one of the most painful forms of bone cancer. When the doctors would go to treat her cancer, she would refuse any medicine to dull the pain. She welcomed the suffering and wanted to be fully aware of the pain because it brought her closer to Jesus’ suffering. Through difficult times, she would focus on the foresaken Christ.“It’s for you, Jesus; if you want it, I want it, too." When her hair fell out she’d say,“For you, Jesus." When she could no longer walk,“If I had to choose between walking again and going to heaven, I wouldn’t hesitate. I would choose heaven." When she was dying,“Don’t shed any tears for me. I’m going to Jesus. At my funeral, I don’t want people crying, but singing with all their hearts." For her funeral she wanted it to be her wedding:“When you’re getting me ready, Mum, you have to keep saying to yourself, ‘Chiara Luce is now seeing Jesus.’’ Friends and doctors of Chiara write of the joy she gave the world. They say she never stopped smiling through all the pain.
The media is saying Brittany is brave, but I think she is a coward. True bravery is facing your problems, difficulties, and tragedies with joy, like Chiara. Joy that can only be found in Jesus Himself. I know that many non Christians and many Christians will disagree because it is difficult for our human nature to understand suffering and pain....and therefore, even accept it. Some say: “Why would Jesus want us to suffer?” He doesn’t, but He allows it to happen for us to achieve a greater union with Him. "Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it." Matthew 16:24-25 To be human is to experience suffering.
The word human is not a noun. It’s actually an adjective and this is a huge misunderstanding people have. As an adjective, it describes something.
Some descriptions of a human could be:
- happy
- sad
- suffering
- joyful
These descriptions are what MAKES us human. As a human, we are made up of these emotions, but it is how we handle these emotions that truly define who we are. If we refuse to accept suffering, we are always looking for the “quick fix” to take it away. By Brittany not embracing the human struggle, she is choosing not to be human anymore...through death. “What will make me happy now?” It’s a huge problem in our culture. True happiness is holiness...it’s not rooted in our emotions or feelings. Choose joy. Choose the light.
Please join me in prayer for Brittany in her family. I know in her heart she believes she is making the right decision, but pray she rises above the temptation of an easy way out. I pray she joyfully accepts her suffering and pain for a greater good. Blessed Chiara Badano, join us in prayer and guide our prayers to our Lord. Amen.
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