Rachel and I had an interesting conversation in the back of a taxi just like the one above today. As we crept along in traffic watching the city roll by (and trying to ignore our sweaty backs sticking to the seat!) she asked me questions like, "Mom, is it wrong for a mother to get into prostitution if she's watching her children starve otherwise?" And in this context the answer just wouldn't come off my tongue quite so quickly.
It's easy to say, "Of course." and move on to the next subject from a First World perspective, but it's not so easy here. Extreme, intractable poverty and starvation aren't concepts here. All you have to do is look out the window as your taxi rolls past.
Hard things don't change morality but they make you say things like, "I know it would be wrong, but since I've never been put in that position I sure wouldn't want to judge." Things often just don't seem quite as black and white anymore.
Most people that come here ask questions like, "How could G0d let this happen?"
I read an answer this morning:
"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends. With the L0rd a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The L0rd is not slow in keeping his promise (to come back and set things right), as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.........So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our L0rd's patience means SALVATION." (Caps obviously mine.) ~2 Pet. 2: 8-9, 14-15a
He doesn't want any one to perish. He watches his creation struggle in a sin filled world that breaks his heart every second and waits-----out of love.
