That question was posed by a male relative as he sat teary-eyed and sad.
To what was he referring?
"Good Friday" which we celebrate today in Trinidad and Tobago and in many other Caribbean countries.
His sincere concern: "How could a day which marks the brutal torture and death of Jesus Christ - who gave His life for the world out of His Love - ever be called "good"?"
At the time, the explanation which he received was enough to satisfy him and change his demeanor.
The death (and resurrection) of Jesus Christ represents to those who are adherents to the Christian faith a glorious sign of Victory and Hope, rather than an indication of failure and despair.
According to Christian doctrine, had He not suffered the torture of a painful beating, there would be no guarantee of physical healing.
His death paid for the sins of all those who believe in Him and His 3-day resurrection is a promise to them of their own resurrection when He returns at the end of the age.
The seemingly "bad" occurred so that there would be "good" for many.
This relative had experienced what many described as tremendous adversity in childhood.
However, he grew as a result of his trauma, and his future - due to the loving and supportive intervention of his faith community, teachers and family members - was bright.
Despite all odds (he often gave full credit to God), he was able to live, thrive and become a leader and a servant of others.
As you enjoy the Resurrection long weekend, try to see the adversity in your life as a grain of sand which entered the oyster of your life. Do not think it is there to destroy you.
Remember a grain of sand which gets caught in an oyster is rubbed and shaped and moulded by the effort of the oyster to deal with the intrusion and irritation. The result is a beautiful and exquisite pearl of great price which would not have otherwise formed.
In the same way, seek out and be open to the intervention from safe people and agencies and apply the healing inputs as you assuage the irritation of that adversity.
As with the oyster, be patient and remain hopeful and allow time and the process to shape you into that precious pearl, able to bring value and beauty to the lives of others!
By the way, that man was my Dad and though he's no longer with me physically, I continue to learn from his courage, strength and undying faith and hope.
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