Another element in the column "Pressure to Succeed" caught my attention, but not for the best reasons:
"There is no more pressing concern that we have than the health and well-being of our children. . .When the child dies, the hole created in the hearts of family members will never be filled."
The human need, that "hole" in every person, can only be filled by God. Only by trusting in the unconditional love and favor of Jesus Christ can individuals have a peace which the world can neither give nor take away.
Because many individuals trust in family ties to bind them through life's most difficult challenges, many people, young and old, find themselves struggling just to get by once a close relative of friend passes away. I remember speaking to an older colleague, one who had just witnessed the passing of his grand-parents. He was simply not ready for the ensuing emptiness which suddenly came upon him.
Individuals cannot live their lives based on the comfort which they hope to find in family or friends. Faith in these two things is simply not enough to cope with the shocks and drama that life can dish out at us.
But Christ is willing to see us through all difficulties:
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
"So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." (Hebrews 13: 5-6)
In Christ, every need of the human heart is met. In Christ, every person finds the peace, love, and security long-sought by every soul. In Christ, there is no pressure to succeed, because for the man who trusts in Him, he is surely blessed!
He is the inner strength that every young person needs, that every older person wants and lacks until resting by faith in His promises. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life for all who are lost, confused, or dead within!