In 1983, Meryl Streep won the Oscar for Best Actress in the movie, Sophie's Choice. Streep plays the role of a mother entering the Auschwitz death camp with her young son and daughter. In one of the most gut-wrenching scenes ever filmed, she is forced by a Nazi guard to choose which of her two children will be exterminated in the gas chamber and which will be sent to a labor camp. Only two possible choices. No alternatives. In a cry of anguish, she chooses her son to live.
Life is full of choices that have profound and irreversible consequences on our lives and the lives of others. As we mature, grow wiser, and become more prayerful, the choices become clearer. But not always. Sometimes we can find no good alternative even though we pray, we reach out in the right directions for help, and we strain our wisdom to the limit.
You may never have to make a Sophie's choice, but it's a sure bet that someone close to you has: a father who experienced the combat of war and returned home damaged and unwilling to speak about the unspeakable he participated in, or a sister in a horrifically abusive relationship with no apparent options but to break the vows she held sacred. The list goes on.
Surely, we think, there must be a right choice every time. But we live in a fallen, broken world. And sometimes in this totally messed up world, as my best friend calls it, our imperfect eyes see no options ... only inevitables. But that's where grace enters the picture - the mercy and healing God lavishes on us, and the balm of his reflected mercy and healing we can spread on everyone in our lives, especially those who had to made Sophie's choice.
Oh David this is beautifully said and perfectly timed for me personally. I very much appreciate your decision to write again and look forward to your many thoughts of wisdom. God bless.
ReplyDeleteDavid, thank you for your willingness to share your insights and inner thoughts. Especially as audible conversation is now unavailable to us, I cherish this chance to hear your voice and wisdom all the more. Much love, Christa
ReplyDeleteDavid, thank you for your willingness to share your insights and inner thoughts. Especially as audible conversation is now unavailable to us, I cherish this chance to hear your voice and wisdom all the more. Much love, Christa
ReplyDeleteI cannot tell you how clearly this specific post speaks to me. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteOne of the reasons I started this blog was to encourage people who suffer quietly and feel that everyone else has it together. I've made "Sophies Choices" in my life and still have to remind myself that I've been forgiven. Hope it helps you to know you're not alone.
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