5 Lessons From Brittany Maynard's Death

The story of Brittany Maynard, the young woman who took her own life before terminal cancer killed her, is one that has captured the imaginations of many.

We who might not agree with the decision she made have something to learn in this situation.

5 Lessons From Brittany Maynard's Death

1 - This is not a time for condemnation, but one of prayer. To pray for Brittany Maynard's soul, family, and friends is an act of charity. To condemn her is not. Some Catholics (and other Christians) might feel we need to actively oppose others who back suicide (and they are correct), but this is not the time to do so. She took her life this weekend, not last year. So, the wounds of her death are fresh in the minds of others.

Furthermore, to cast her into hell or any other such judgment about her soul, is a true act of judgment. This should be left to God alone. Even if you are not judging her soul, to say she did something wrong may be correct, but discussions about the morality of the act can come later, when the issue isn't so raw. The witness of prayer is more powerful now anyway.
FYI - many don't understand the distinction between condemning someone to hell and judging their actions. Here is more on that subject.

2 - Our culture is guided more by emotions and slogans than logic. Emotivism is when emotions rule our decisions. "I feel this is true" or "I feel uncomfortable about that" are bigger drivers in our world than objective truth or logic. This is reflected in the individualism of "choice" and "death with dignity"; these kind of phrases are the quick soundbites that frame most issues in our world today. Rarely do people even try to challenge themselves by opposing viewpoints, but rather, most read and view only those views that support the ones they already hold.

Still, we are more than just emotions and truth goes beyond how we feel about it. Yet, in cases such as Brittany Maynard, we cannot just throw logic onto the table and expect others to agree, unless we also appeal to the emotions of a people that won't spend time thinking through the issue without them. So, those that just want to say "Maynard was wrong", "suicide is a sin", or another argument such as this are missing the point. We have to appeal to both logic AND emotions, if we are to convince modern people even give us a fair hearing.

3 - People of faith, who are suffering from similar diseases and yet choose to let death come naturally, are the strongest voices. There are numerous examples of people of faith who are dying and have written beautiful and provocative pieces (here is one example). Sharing these is a good way to witness to the truth that there is something better.

4 - Sharing the reason for our hope with others should be done with love, gentleness, and kindness - this will mean that others may come to know death doesn't have the last word. When my sister died, I wrote about it with sadness, but also great hope. It was because I believed she would see the face of Jesus after her time on this earth was ended. This is true hope! It transcends and defeats even death!

5 - Dignity isn't dependent on choosing how you die. In fact, our worth is found in the nature of who we are, not our actions. Our worth is found in how we were created by God, in His image and likeness. Because our dignity comes from God and we cannot fully understand dignity without a true relationship with the one who has implanted it within us. But, because our culture says that we have no worth outside of our own selfish pleasure, we are on a path of destruction and grief, not happiness and glory.

Furthermore, for a culture without Jesus crucified, there is no purpose to suffering. It is to be avoided at all costs and is the worst thing that can happen to us. Without the crucifix, pleasure becomes the highest good. But, pleasure comes and goes. When it is gone, our lives lose meaning. The Cross rightly orders our lives. It points us to the real meaning to life - living in the truth of who we are as humans made by God for sacrificial love. In this identity we can find why God allows suffering - in order to draw us closer to Himself.

But, trying to get an unbelieving world to believe this won't be done in condemnation, but by love, prayer, and gentle witness. AFTER this, we can teach.

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Please join me in praying for Brittany Maynard, her family, her friends, and our world.