Recently there was the awful news of another barbaric
honor killing in Pakistan. The scene of
Parveen’s dead body crumpled up on the ground murdered by an inflamed family
who felt dishonored and were determined to restore their name was too difficult
for me to watch. My heart ached for
Parveen. I felt wounded by her unspeakable pain and deprivation of human
rights. I know angels gathered her up in their arms.
That happened over there….It
was communion time and I fought back tears.
The pastor talked about how Jesus became broken on our behalf. Suddenly, a wave of emotional pain washed
over me as I reflected on what I had just walked through in ministry….right here. For privacy purposes all I
can say is that I encountered a very messy and scary family situation. The mom was broken in spirit. Could her heart be healed from her wounds? The wailing and grieving were worse than at a
funeral; her shame unbearable. I
couldn't bear to see her isolation and helplessness and didn't have a clue what
to do but hold her and pray for her. As
I sat in church I felt strangely removed from the suffering of the needy world
around me…and I didn't like that very much. At the same time I was thankful to have a
quiet beautiful sanctuary to escape to.
Could there be healing for my wounds, too? How can I do ministry when I am wounded? There are so many sad stories and broken
women both here and there. I grew up
with messages about “being broken about the things that God is broken
about.” But I didn't hear how one was
supposed to cope with a broken heart without becoming hardened or walking away
from suffering; especially if there is not much you can do to bring change. I've been reading Jimmy Carter’s book A Call For Action which addresses some
of the same issues that I encounter. God
has placed him in a position to speak for justice, especially in regards to the
violations, deprivations and abuses that victimize girls and women. But what can I do?
God, I need
some comfort big time, I pleaded. I went through my music cds and, as always, at these times of sorrow which have no answers, decided to
soak in Sacred Lullabies. I was
comforted once again…ready to go out and continue to love and take the Light. We can get wounded ministering among Muslim
women. We feel their pain. It is vital for ourselves to find comfort or
we will not be able to comfort others well.
When there is nothing we can do but give comfort that is
worthwhile. We give comfort in proportion
to how much comfort we receive. Henri
Nouwen gives clarity on this issue in his book, The Wounded Healer.
Dear heavenly Father, someone reading this needs the
ministry of the Comforter. Please come to her aid. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
