The headline in the May 21, 2006, (Myrtle Beach) Sun News got it right: CHEERS TURN TO TEARS. The event occurred the day before at the running of the Preakness Stakes at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.

A crowd of 118,402 in attendance, and millions more watching on TV were stunned. Barbaro, the colt who won the hearts of millions two weeks earlier as he outdistanced the field in the Kentucky Derby, was trying for the second race in the Triple Crown. Seven attempts for the Triple Crown in the past 10 years all ended in disappointment. Knowledgeable fans believed Barbaro had the best chance in many years.

This strong colt with heart was a proven winner, having never lost a race. Not only did he convincingly win the Kentucky Derby two weeks earlier, but had proudly stood in the winner's circle in six straight races.

As the Preakness began, the excitement meter soared. But only 12 seconds later and 100 yards down the track, Barbaro's left rear leg flared out and he veered sideways. Jockey Edgar Prado wisely pulled him up to a stop as the other eight horses passed. The event occurred in front of the main grandstands, making it clearly visible to fans.

Oh my, how quickly circumstances can change. The anticipation suddenly gave way to dismay. Cheers did literally turn to tears. All watching were overcome with emotion.

Like millions of others, I sat stunned. Immediately I thought of the many times I have seen "cheers to tears" experiences occur in the lives of people. I had pastor flashbacks.

I re-lived the time I had to go to school and tell a teen boy and girl their father had just died far too young with a sudden heart attack. They asked me "Why?" A young couple anticipated with great joy the birth of their first child. At the doctor's request, I spoke words to them that shattered their world: "Your baby has down's syndrome." They asked me "Why?" Other experiences, too numerous to share here, flooded my mind. All were "cheers to tears" experiences and they all asked, "Why?"

I could understand their question. I, too, have had my "cheers to tears" experiences. Perhaps the most devastating of which was having to give up being a church pastor at 53 years of age because of a rare voice impairment - the time at which pastors are considered to reach their prime years in ministry. Not life-threatening but devastating. I too asked God: "Why? I don't understand." He answered through His Word and the work of the Holy Spirit. No, He did not tell me why, but like Job in the Old Testament, He revealed to me I did not need to understand why.

Since I as a Christian have the presence of God in my life, I only need to trust God and rely on His never-ending presence. In retrospect, I have discovered God is faithful. "In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28 NIV). Like Paul, we too can look back and declare as he did in his great hymn of joy written from a Roman prison: "The things that happened to me, have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel (Phil. 1:12).

Yes, Christians can stand up after being knocked down if we will "Lean on, trust and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind, and do not rely on your insight or understanding (Prov. 3:5 Amp. Bible).

Never judge a tragedy on the day it occurs. Lean on God and by faith expectantly wait to see what marvelous victorious things He will do in your life.

(Dr. French O'Shields is a Gaffney native and a retired Presbyterian minister.)