Texas Baptist Forum

First Lady & faith

I read Fay Mileur’s letter regarding Laura Bush’s statement that she lost her faith following the accident at age 17 in which a friend was killed (May 24).

When Bush was growing up, she states, people did not talk about their problems like we see in today’s society.

Scripture teaches we cannot lose our relationship to Christ. But when tragedy touches our lives, we may feel God does not care. I have been a believer for more than 70 years, and there have been times when my heart cried out, “Where are you, God?” You get the idea if there is a remedy for my problem, it is up to me, for God is too busy to hear my prayer.

God is not at our beck and call to clean up all our messes, but most people sometimes don’t feel as connected to the Father as they would like. In those times, we have to rely on what God promises and trust, even if we cannot trace him. But most do not learn that by age 17.

I believe Laura Bush has an ongoing relationship with the Lord, and her faith, like my own, has matured over time. I feel sure in eight years as the wife of the president, she learned God’s mercy and grace in ways most of us will never understand.

Betty Arrell

Austin

"Pillars" Ad a Blessing

Awhile ago, I read an advertisement in the Baptist Standard for Pillars: A Celebration of Seniors, a conference at Baylor University’s Truett Seminary in Waco. I just returned from it, and it was wonderful.

I am so grateful you advertised this, or I would not have known about it and would have missed a tremendous blessing. The speakers were great, the seminary is beautiful, the staff and students were so gracious and welcoming, and the fellowship with others was a delight.

Thank you for providing the information for this opportunity. God has blessed through your work.

Margaret Smith

Aubrey