My Son John, by Kathi Macias

My Son John, by Kathi Macias
Sheaf House Publishers, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-9797485-4-7

It's easy to trust God when blessings are pouring in, and life is struggle-free, isn't it? But what happens when a worse case scenario strikes? How would your faith measure up against a terrible tragedy?

Author Kathi Macias has woven a story so raw, so candid, it leaves one wondering, How would I fare if one of my loved ones were murdered—not by a stranger, but by a family member? Would I limit God’s ability to heal my broken heart? And could I ever find the strength to forgive the person behind such a horrific act?

My Son John is a chilling exploration of tragedy, grief, and the hard work of unconditional love and forgiveness. While Liz Peterson grapples with the news of her elderly mother’s brutal murder, I thought of Psalms 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” The unthinkable had happened, and her Christian faith would be tested in ways she could not have imagined.

As the story progresses, though, the Peterson family receives even more devastating news: their son John has been arrested for his grandmother’s murder. Will God’s grace be strong enough to hold them together? Is His strength truly “made perfect in weakness,” as the Bible assures us?

My Son John is a captivating read that I won’t soon forget. I found myself thanking God for his limitless grace, and asking myself how I would respond in such a horrific situation. Untested faith can often grow stagnant, but this book is a reminder that none of us knows what a day may bring. Our very lives are in His strong, capable hands. What we do with that knowledge will determine how we react, should tragedy land on our very own doorstep.

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One Swift Act

In November, 2005 a terrible tragedy occurred in my community. I sat down that evening and the following words poured out. Looking back, it's hard to believe that over three years have passed. Life inevitably moves on past every sad occasion, but sometimes it's good to retrace steps and remind myself that life is precious and can be 0h-so-fleeting. When I catch myself lamenting the little things that don't matter in the Bigger Picture, or when I forget that each day is a sacred gift, this story always stops me in my tracks.

November 8, 2005

Sometimes I read about an event so tragic, it makes me shake my head and ask why. A few days ago, my local paper reported the death of five siblings in a car accident. Their father was driving the car, when another vehicle crossed the center line and hit them head on. It is one of those stories that sears the heart.

The children ranged in age from 12 down to 2. They were riding along, happy to be picking up their mother soon. Both the driver of the approaching car and their dad were seriously injured.

I searched my brain for an answer, but kept coming back to three words: God only knows. And that's exactly what their pastor spoke at the funeral, where five little caskets sat in a row. God only knows. For a reason known only to him, he called all five siblings Home on the same day.

In today's paper, I read about their mother, who is expecting her sixth baby next month. She has already visited the hospital room of the driver who was responsible for the accident, to see how he is faring. She wanted him to know that because of her strong, deep walk with God, she is able to forgive him. Not just in words or through numbed tears, but wholly and completely.

And that's the real answer, I suppose. Through one swift act, a horrible tragedy has left a family and several communities reeling. Yet, in another swift, unselfish act, a gracious, grieving mother reaches out in concern for this man's welfare, to wish him well both physically and spiritually.

Faith doesn't produce any better than that.

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."--Luke 6:27

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