I've just lost half a dozen online chess games in a row (over two days). My Chessville rating has plummeted from 1900 to a frustrating 1750 or so. I made some absolutely pointless blunders in almost all of 'em. Wonder if it's a sign to get off this evening addiction...hmm...

But whilst my universe may be falling apart (smile), it surely cannot compare with the parents of a 10-year old, one of Alex's patients, who recently died of dengue. I found Alex's inside-the-ward account of the medical team's attempts to save the boy a true eye-opener, one which hits home the seriousness of the affliction.

Strangely enough, only this morning I then read something of a similar vein, about why God allows Christians to be hurt to the point of committing suicide? Glenn Miller makes the important point that the word "allow" in the question is just too simplistic AND that all answers are usually worthless/speculative to be helpful for any specific case.

The last thing the parents of Alex's patient want is a discourse on theodicy.

On a lighter note, had a chance to listen to Majora Carter's heart-stirring talk on Greening the Ghetto in South Bronx, New York (the kind of project more churches would do well to participate in, I guess), check it out:

Be warned though...it can be a bit of a 'choker'...:)