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Although there are tools that we need in our time of disability, nevertheless, let us, work to strengthen or resolved. Don’t let your batteries drain to the point that you become totally useless, powerless, helpless, and a target for further abuse!
Today, my mind is processing, maybe even overwhelmed by the amount of news that we see. Instantly across our social media and television screens is the rise of negative information like never before. A school shooting halfway across the country is instant news alerting other schools to increase their security policies. Churches are now not only sanctuaries of worship, but leaders must consider safety procedures in the event of I repeated tragedy.
God is not deaf! God is not blind. God is not heartless. It is quite the opposite! God is administering justice! God opposes the proud!
In summary, live life with compassion, and although you can’t control every situation, you can be the strength that someone may need to act and have courage to resolve their situation. Certainly, use the authorities in the resources that you have to help another. However, lift others up so that they will not become forever victims.
I don’t mean to say that there are fewer victims in our society today, but it seems as though we are more aware that we have never been before. Consider the “me too movement.” We have seen the abuse of power at the highest levels of government and corporations. We have witnessed people who have taken advantage of others because of their status or title. Consider pastors and priest who have done terrible things to children and others. Take a look at the global impact of human trafficking and the increase in lawlessness. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
I have served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for several years. I have seen abuse, not only on the front page, but right in front of me. I have gone to court to defend children and be a voice and advocate for those that have no voice. My wife and I have been foster parents. For eight years, we advocated for young people who came from abused and neglected circumstances. We have seen firsthand levels of abuse that are unimaginable. Even as a pastor, I have seen levels of human tragedy that has almost dolled by sensitivity. I hope I haven’t become too cynical or hard hearted.
Although I have seen a lot, this article is not necessarily for the purpose of raising the alarm regarding abuse. Sorry for the hard turn. Not surprisingly, while abuse is on the rise, (at least we hear about it more often) I am also considering that our society has shifted for a victim mentality. Even the slightest of neglect is now an outcry of victimhood that requires justice!
Justice matters and is a real thing. We need justice warriors however, what are we really calling justice? It is true that the world is not perfect. Life is not fair. We have reason to advocate for those in-need. We should be trying to make right the wrongs. However, what is an injustice?
I lean closely to the broken-hearted. God certainly does! He calls out justice for the widow who suffers. God calls us to care for the orphan. God lifts the humble and give grace to the needy.
However true it is that the world is broken, sin is seemingly let loose in the streets for all to see! We should not be surprised when evil shows itself.
What should we do about it? What is our call to action?
We see protesters who form mobs for justice! I like Westerns like the next person. Old Western movies look for justice fighters working to make things right (in 30-minutes or less per episode). The hero of the Marvel’s comes in to save the day!
Although there is justice needed, there certainly is an injustice everywhere, nevertheless, I would contend that somewhere along the line with allowed ourselves to become victims.
Spiritually, we have allowed those who are weak to dominate the call to action by the strong. Somewhere along the line, we have allowed people to de cry injustice and to find a perpetrator where there may need a clarification about what is injustice.
From a spiritual standpoint, we should be victors because Jesus has paid the price for our sin. We should stand strong in our faith and not allow the devil to harass us. We need to say that we “will try” or that “we can” instead of giving up with the expression, “I can’t!” It is important to be able to stand as winners not whiners.
While there is real abuse and wrongs, yet, we should not let our circumstances dictate the outcomes! We cannot let ourselves become victims! Of course there is reason to be an advocate firnthe weak. However, we should work to strengthen the weak and encourage them to stand (on their own).
I have been an advocate in every profession I have held. We see wrong we should attempt to right the wrong however, how we do it matters! We can't fight every foe the same way. We don't enable negative behaviors in giants or in the small. We are called to empower!
So, what am I saying?
1. Choose your battles carefully and with wisdom.
Let me explain. every battle fought should be carefully considered. Not everything is worth fighting about. Sometimes, a good offense is better. I would also encourage you and I to consider the right strategy and armed at the right information to take the appropriate step to remedy the problem. It is better to employee wisdom not strength.
2. Don't let what is done against you to keep you from being strong.
When opposition reveals its deadly force, don’t let it cause you to shrink back from every opportunity to advance. it’s important to recognize that we should not simply give up, but realize that with God, we can do all things through his strength at work within us. We don’t let bullies win by giving in. We have to assist and strengthened others to become victors, not victims. Just because your circumstances are intimidating, don’t let it defeat you.
3. Advocate for others by working to strengthen the powerless to grow through hardship.
Now, regarding being an advocate. essential that if we are fighting someone’s battles that we empower the powerless to become strongest. It is in adversity that they can develop the skills and the strength to grow. I realize that there are some things that are far more destructive, but, if we are talking about opportunities to grow, let’s enable that opportunity. Let’s help someone to grow spiritually, and to become an advocate for themselves by encouraging them to deepen their understanding of this situation they’re in.
I’ve had times when I have had to take a stand and advocate through strength, and there are times, and I have been an advocate for another by standing with them in court or in real life scenarios.
By developing people to have the skills necessary that empowers them to act is more beneficial.
This is a complex topic for sure. Nevertheless, utilize the resources that you may know about, but don’t fight other peoples battles without first helping them to realize their part in the battle. Give them the ammunition or the resources needed to become strong stronger.
