Tuff question...

I hate the expression, "Everything happens for a reason." Truly horrible things happen all the time. Things that are so evil there is little a person can do but wall off a piece of themselves and look the other way. It is nearly impossible to wrap my mind around the reality of what evil happens to people, all around the world, every day. All manner of hate, murder, torture, rape, neglect, lies, greed, perversion, pride, violence, sickness, disease. Acts of malice perpetrated against young and old, rich and poor, good and evil alike. What reason is there to be found in the rape and murder of women and little girls, babies even? What purpose is there when orphans are left in solitude, neglected to the point of death? The way in which we humans torture and abuse one another are seemingly endless. And, so often it seems that evil begets even more evil. How then can it be said that all these things happen for a reason? I suppose it is something to say when words fail but are all you have to offer in the face of evil. Words that make it just a bit easier to live behind the walls we build to keep the darkness from overwhelming our souls. But I find no hope in this idea of trying to find a reason to explain why someone's mind can become so warped with evil that they act out atrocious, vile, acts of violence against another person. Saying there must be a reason implies a certain responsibly. Is a person somehow responsible for what is inflicted upon them? Is God? No. Evil exists. It is pervasive. It's vile fingers touch all our lives. Some more cruelly than others. It makes me sick. It seeks only destruction. It's purpose is only death. However, on the other side of this is redemption. I do not believe there is always a reason why evil happens. I do, however, believe in the power of love. In the power of redemption. When evil happens, Love is still there. Love is always greater, and the effects of evil are always offered redemption. Over and over again until restoration is fulfilled. Until what has been destroyed is made right. Until wounds so horrific are healed with truth and grace. In this is true hope.