Sad Billy Crystal’s Ball Says He’ll Be Ok
Letter to Romans: Billy Crystal says he no longer trusts God after losing home of 46 yrs & best friend. Billy doesn’t say he no longer believes in God. Recall Crystal’s yeoman “City Slickers” portrayal of faith in the face of great adversity. Ironic or no? Didn’t the movie’s Iron Law of Life message beautifully, heroically remind we are all destined to be “People Acquainted with grief”? And that, as Curly said, "There's just ONE thing" us cowboys need to realize for a fulfilling life?
Yet as Fox News put it, it was “during an interview with CBS Sunday Morning the comedian, 78, opened up about how losing his longtime Pacific Palisades home in January 2025 wildfires & the death of his close friend Rob Reiner greatly impacted his faith.” Crystal explained: “Too many bad things have happened…the earth is in bad shape. This is a weird, scary time…So, no, [I don’t trust God] anymore.” It’s ok. There’s unbounded evidence that God Almighty Himself understands. Was there a more “weird, scary time” than when Jesus, the Son of God, walked the earth as the crucified epitome of “A Man Acquainted with Grief”? And even if all seemed wonderful for all of us, is there any sense in doubting that God’s wondrous gifts of life, free will & grace inevitably entailed much pain & suffering along the way, a journey that MUST culminate in death ala Rob Reiner?
Billy, far be it for any of us to fully understand your heart right now. Yet, we ALL have our stories of grief to share. And many can attest to God’s enduring, caring love in the worst of times. I’ll testify to one of mine: The details don’t matter but suffice it to say I believe I was as filled with grief as any human’s breaking heart could bear. On a couch with head in hands, unable to see through my tears, a distinct, powerful, even booming voice filled my ears & assured, “You are OK.” I looked around but saw no one. Twenty years later & after many great times & many bad times, I think it’s fair to say, “Thank you, God, I can always be ok with You.”
Davd Soul
Your reflection on Billy Crystal's struggle beautifully illustrates how deeply grief can impact faith, echoing the article's point about Jesus being 'A Man Acquainted with Grief.' It's a powerful reminder that even when life feels overwhelmingly unfair and we might just want to escape with something like unblocked games 66, there's a deeper understanding available. Your personal experience of hearing 'You are OK' offers a profound message of enduring hope and comfort amidst despair.