Life is Precious

A couple of days back, I watched a mini documentary produced by The Economist of a 24 year old woman seeking euthanasia. She has been suffering from depression since the age of three and constantly self-harmed. Under Belgium law, sufferers seeking euthanasia need to be evaluated by three mental health specialists over a period of time. In her case, the approval process took two years.

In her last meeting with the panel of specialists, the doctor who was to perform the procedure explained what would happen. On the day of her appointment, the doctor would go to her home at the agreed time. She would be given two injections. The first would cause her to lose consciousness upon which there will be no turning back for her. The second is a lethal injection which would terminate her life. She was advised my the panel that she should not feel afraid or feel ashame to stop the procedure at any point in time when she is still conscious. But her mind was made up - she was determined to end her agony.

I was reminded of the documentary this morning when we found several of the fishes in my son's aquarium had died overnight. The fishes which appeared active just yesterday have bellied up. Although tiny creatures, seeing their lifeless form reminded me how supernatural life really is. My mind played back on how vigorously these creatures swam and how beautifully they interacted with their surroundings. My mind dwelled on the fact that what was is now no more. Life can leave us suddenly but memories of that life skids on.

Fortunately, the documentary had an optimistic end. When the doctor arrived at the patient's home, they spoke. The patient eventually told the doctor that she would not go ahead with the procedure. When she felt that she had control over the decision to end her life, it lessened her desire to die. A sudden loss of a precious life was averted. The precious memories of that person lives on in her own being rather than being tragically cast out of her.

As I write this, I am also thinking about the tragedy that struck the city of Paris yesterday night. Hundreds lost their lives or were severely injured my bombs and gunmen who had no regard for the sanctity of life. Those who orchestrated this are mad men who have confused God with evil, martyrdom with hatred, and a lack of purpose with a higher calling.

God gave life to every creature He created. He made tear-ducts for days when we struggle in life. When we lose our grip on Him, He continues to cling on to us. He is compassionate rather than judgemental when people lose their way and their hope. And He will avenge the lives lost innocently to the schemes of evil men. Life is in the hands of our Creator.