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In ancient Rome, the color purple was derived from Murex seashells and was, therefore, the most expensive dye available. This inky coloring was reserved for the cloth that would be stitched into clothes for the emperor and senators. And senators had limited access. They were allowed to wear some purple clothing, but if anyone dressed completely in purple, it was considered treason. Treason was punishable by death. 

I was asked a couple of weeks ago if I would be available to perform her funeral. "If my schedule permits, I’m most willing," I responded. Nevertheless, I cringe at the thought. It is true; I want to be there. I just wish things were different. I wish my visit was for a happy occasion. Maybe a wedding or a child dedication. But death—why does it have to be this way?

I’m certainly not the only one who has felt this way. In fact, the question of why has likely passed through the minds of every human being since the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

The three men were stranded on Fanadik Island for three days, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The small boat they were traveling on was swamped by a large wave and they swam for two miles in the darkness of night to reach the shores of the Micronesian Island that's about 3,000 miles southwest of Honolulu. 

It all started in Antioch. Paul and Barnabas, at the invitation of the local leaders, stood up in the synagogue to speak a few words of encouragement. The people liked what they heard and the next week they shared again. "On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God." (Acts 13:44) When several of the leading Jews saw their popularity, they became jealous and contradicted and reviled the men. The persecution built until the two disciples left the city, shaking the dust off of their feet.