Jason Locke's Blog

The operation to rescue the 13 trapped members of a Thai soccer (football) team has captured the hearts of the world. Tragedies happen every week across the globe, and they scarcely register in the world's newspapers. The hope of saving these 12 kids and their coach feels different from the often faceless accidents where the victims and the drama are already in the past. In this instance, salvation remains possible. I've written in the past about the seeming emptiness of offering up "thoughts & prayers" when tragedies happen. If you're truly praying for the victims' families, then fine. But if you're just posting words to look empathetic, then your words do a disservice to faith. In such an instance, your offer of "thoughts & prayers" is an egotistical way of telling the world, "Don't forget about me! I want you to notice me!" Your empty words are dangerous and hurtful. Offering up "promises of prayer" car...

Why do we pray for people who experience hardship? There's talk within our broader society about whether we should send "thoughts and prayers" out for those who experience tragedy or who face a crisis. Is there anything wrong with offering to pray? The reason for the backlash is that words frequently come across as empty. I've witnessed the tragedy of empty words. I've been with well-meaning Christians who visit the sick in the hospital or who try to comfort someone during a crisis. I'll most likely cringe if you utter these words, "If there's anything you need, let me know." Why do I react negatively? I have to qualify that there are a handful of people I know in the world who can say that and be totally genuine about it. But for everyone else, you don't understand the potential price of what you're offering. You may mean well. But too often it's a cliché which confuses being nice with making yourself look good: "Let...