On December 7, 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor shook the United States, plunging the nation into World War II. Every year on this anniversary, we remember the lives lost and the profound impact this event had on history. This reflection isn’t just about remembering the past, but also about confronting the questions that arise in the face of tragedy, questions that are particularly relevant given recent acts of evil around the world.
In my book, “The Spirit behind Badge 145,” I recount the remarkable story of Jacob DeShazer, a Doolittle Raider, and Mitsuo Fuchida, the Japanese pilot who led the attack on Pearl Harbor. Their unlikely friendship, forged after the war, stands as a testament to the power of forgiveness and reconciliation. It’s a story that defies logical explanation, a bond created through their shared faith in Christ. How could such enemies in war become allies?
One of the most common responses to tragedy is to question God’s role. Many blame God for not intervening, while others find solace in prayer. It’s a complex and deeply personal struggle. I addressed this in my piece, “In Memoriam; (to) The Sheer Family” (In Memoriam; The Sheer Family), writing, “Most who criticize God for not intervening in such a tragedy also fail to give Him credit when there is a miraculous intervention, or when others, under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit, complete acts of mercy and generosity worldwide.”
I also wrote, “I have grown weary of hearing people grouse about the ‘separation of church and state.’ As long as people perish, the church will continue to be more relevant than the state.” My sister-in-law shared a powerful testimony during a time of intense grief: “I visited each of their rooms, fell to my knees at each crime scene and was able to cry deeply, pray and talk with my Savior, thanking Him for receiving them, and asking after their care and mercy for Michael.” This profound expression of faith in the face of unimaginable loss offers a glimpse into the comfort and strength that can be found in God.
Of everything I’ve shared, the “In Memoriam for the Sheer Family” piece resonates most deeply. If you are grieving, I encourage you to read it. It offers a depth of understanding about tragedy that only God can provide.
Finally, consider the USS Arizona, sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack. The Pearl Harbor Memorial stands above it, a serene tribute. Yet, the oil that still seeps to the surface serves as a constant reminder of the 1,102 sailors and Marines entombed within. We all carry our own “oil,” remnants of past hurts and traumas that surface in our lives. We build symbolic memorials to cover the damage, but the pain remains real.
I suggest that the cross of Christ is the only memorial that truly heals. Humanity offers temporary solutions to grief and despair, but God offers lasting peace. “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices” (Psalm 37:7). “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
-Jim