It was survivor’s right to thank God

My response is to the June 4 letter written by Theodore Utchen of Wheaton.

Dear Mr. Utchen;

Of course, you are free to believe in trusting one’s “lucky stars” if you wish. That is your right. However, you don’t have the right to to condemn another who just happens to believe in a “higher power,” a lord and master of the universe, creator of the very stars that you put your faith and trust in.

Jordan Aubey, who survived the terrible Joplin tornado, and another close call, happens to believe that God spared him at those times. Of course, I am sure he realizes that his time will come eventually, as it will for every living thing, but for the moment, he was spared ... and he thanked God. That is his right.

It is my belief that those who don’t survive natural disasters, etc., are not “out of favor with God”, as you put it, but rather “In favor.” And he is calling them home. And, in my mind, and in the mind of many others, that is the better place.

I wonder, should you ever encounter a similar situation, (and I sincerely wish you never do), if your thoughts or words at the time might be, “Oh, my God, help me.”

Marie Zavoli

Glendale Heights