George H.W. Bush is bald

"Sympathizing"

By now you've probably seen the photos: George H.W. Bush, 41st President of
the
United States, is bald. No, it's not a secret accidentally exposed; Bush
shaved
his head to show support for 2-year-old Patrick, son of a member of Bush's
security detail. Patrick is bald, too, but from chemotherapy treatments for
his
leukemia.

President Bush's show of support becomes more touching when you learn that
he
and his wife, Barbara, lost a 4-year-old child to cancer nearly 60 years
ago.
The 89-year-old may be hairless for a time, but he suddenly seems more
attractive.

We've heard other stories like this: friends and family members who shave
their
heads when a loved one begins losing their hair during cancer treatments.
It's
a powerful gesture, designed to send a message that they're not fighting
their
battle alone.

Amy Wadsworth, herself a cancer patient, probes into this method of showing
support: "Is [shaving your head] something they will find touching? Are you
sure? Or, is it an empty gesture in lieu of actual valuable help they will
need, such as meals, phone calls, help with rides, and house cleaning?"
(http://www.butdoctorihatepink.com/)

Yes, people need support when they suffer. But they need the right kind of
support.

The story of Job is well known. God allowed this righteous man to be
tempted by
Satan. In one day he literally lost everything. The next day he lost his
health. Three friends came to show their sympathy: "... they lifted up
their
voices and wept; and each one tore his robe and sprinkled dust on his head
toward heaven" (Job 2:12). For seven days they sat with Job, saying
nothing.

When the friends did speak, they tried to advise Job on why he was suffering
and
what he should do. Before long Job blurted out, "Miserable comforters are
you
all!" (Job 16:2). The sympathy they thought they were showing was not
working.

On the other end of the spectrum, consider Jesus. "For we do not have a
High
Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points
tempted
as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus lived out the prophecy of
Isaiah 53:5: "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for
our
iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him" (Isaiah 53:5).

The most telling statement of all: "... the Lord has laid on Him the
iniquity of
us all" (Isaiah 53:6). What a friend we have in Jesus, the one whose
sympathy
truly helps!

Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in
spirit
and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you'd like to discuss these
ideas further.