We Choose

She was an unquestionable example of good. My sister-in-law Teresa was a brilliantly beautiful woman who had a life of great physical suffering, but no bitterness. She lost a young daughter in a car accident that almost killed Teresa and left her with permanent injury. Breast cancer developed in her small body and for ten years, she fought like a champion. Many things happened, but my intent isn't to spell out the long list of tragedy and obstacle. My mind dwells on the idea that Teresa was good.

I watched a documentary on the Green River Killer and was stricken by the fact that I was looking at a man who was evil. He did things that were sick, but he wasn’t mentally dysfunctional. He had a house, an ex-wife, a child that lived with him, a skilled job, but he did things that were unbelievable. Again, I’m not interested in spelling out a list. He was evil.

These examples of good and evil suggest that humans are more than animated chemicals. Gary Ridgway had a bad experience with a prostitute in the service and came away with hate. This hate boiled and festered, he dwelt in it and gave in to the evil that comes when hatred is fed.

Teresa, on the other hand, responded to the bad experience of losing her daughter and a horrible accident by relying on the good that God brought into her life. She dwelt on the good. Her husband told me once that even in private, when she could’ve complained or given into the disappointment, she was strong. One of the last things she said to me was, “I wouldn’t wish this on anyone, but I wouldn’t trade it because it brought me closer to God.”

Today, I was thinking about good and evil. Deny it if you will, but these are two examples that show me we are responsible to feed one or the other.

If you’re interested in hearing the farewell message Teresa recorded for her memorial service check it out on youtube (watch part 1 & 2): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0IwRj23gqM
or go to YouTube and search Teresa Evans.