Tuesday, June 21, 2005

There Are No Atheists in Foxholes...Or ICUs

Jason Torres' world was rocked last month when his 26-year-old wife, Susan, was stricken down by brain cancer. After surgery, she remains in an irreversible coma. What makes this story even more interesting is Susan is carrying their second child. And doctors are keeping her alive as long as the cancer doesn't effect the baby, so she can deliver. So far, the cancer has been contained and the baby is alive against all odds.

Most of the news articles I've read allude to Jason's faltering faith in God. He's asked the questions many people would ask...why me? Why are we dealing with all this suffering? In the midst of this, two of Jason's four grandparents have fallen ill, as well as an uncle with cerebal palsy. Add to that the birthday of their first child, Peter, who turned 3 on June 3 and has been constantly asking, "Where's Mommy?"

But, on a recent television interview, Jason made an intriguing comment. He said, "You know, they say there aren't any atheists in foxholes?...well, there aren't any in ICUs either." What is such a tragic event may be a faith-building experience for Jason. And, the newborn baby who waits in its mother's womb to enter the earth is obviously a child with a life plan that God has very carefully crafted. In a day of abortion and unwanted children, a sad story like this has the potential to have a beautiful ending.

From someone who was a miracle baby herself, I pray that this little life will blossom into a vibrant example of God's Sovereignty and His Grace in all things.

4 comments:

Kevin Yates said...

What an incredible story. I had not heard it...and he is very right. I think it is the "foxholes" or "ICU's" of life that can drive people towards God...however, I have seen first hand when an unexpected tragedy has driven people away from God too...and away from anyone in their lives that is close to God.

What news websites are covering this story? I would like to keep up with the outcome.

RosieBoo said...

Kev,

I saw the story on the Today show but have read articles on USAToday and Washington Post. There is a website, http://www.susantorresfund.org that updates periodically. As of yesterday, her cancer was advancing, but the positive news was her husband and parents felt the baby kick yesterday!

Dana said...

What a sad story.

RosieBoo said...

Dana,

The positive side...the baby is still kicking and alive. And they are almost positive it is a girl!