Dying with Dignity?

Brittany Maynard and Robin Williams, now connected by one common event, their suicides. Robin Williams’ death sent shock waves through the world, putting a light on depression and mental illness. Now, recently, Ms. Maynard choose to take her life on November 2, 2014, in response to a physical ailment, brain cancer. I’m not sure Mr. Williams thought his actions made his death more dignified, I doubt anyone does. Yet, Ms. Maynard’s actions are being heralded as courageous and to be applauded.

In a recent article on Salon.com, Joanna Rothkopf’s article said, “Atheists, agnostics and those who don’t believe in a vengeful God should not be shackled by a vocal interest group. For Brittany Maynard, the end is mercifully in sight. Her legacy will not only be one of courage, but also the reenergizing of a debate that is likely to live on long after she does — one that pits our views of humanity and the law against one another.

To those who argue that Maynard is ending her life before God can intervene, she says: “Cancer is ending my life. I am choosing to end it a little sooner and in a lot less pain and suffering.””

I don’t like the idea of a ‘vengeful God’ because what does God need to avenge? To Ms. Maynard’s thinking, ‘life ain’t worth living’ as she was, but isn’t that Robin Williams mind-set at the end. Didn’t Mr. Williams think his disease was not worth dealing with, its depilating affects and its end results? But, isn’t that what Ms. Maynard argues? Why is one a tragedy and the other a courageous act?

Suicide in a situation is tragic, because there has come a point of hopelessness. I wonder if Mr. Williams or Ms. Maynard ever heard of the hope in Christ. Did they ever seek to find, “…the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7) I hope, I pray they did.

Dignity in death, is it possible. Being a funeral director for almost 25 years now, I’ve seen death experienced in many ways, dignified and undignified. Death leaves a gaping hole in the world. It can’t be filled, it can’t be repaired and it can’t be forgotten. Someone, somewhere, right now are grieving the loss of Robin Williams and Brittany Maynard, and that grieving will never end.

The only advice I can give is, seek the Lord while he may be found, for in Him is the only real peace that this world could never give. Jesus said this, (John 14:27) “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Run to Him, seek Him, for in Him is PEACE!!!!