Dears,
I pray you well.
For some reason, us humans just seem to be unable to control ourselves. Headline after headline; country after country. It’s definitely to watch and pray, for the days continue to portend bad news. Unfortunately, evil is not new; nor is the fact of rape. Consider today’s Holy Nougat for example
“When Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her, he took her and lay with her and raped her. But his soul clung to Dinah, Jacob’s daughter, and he loved the young woman and spoke reassuringly to the young woman.” Genesis 34:2-3 TLV
As the only girl in the family, Dinah left home to meet with the women in her neighborhood. She was a foreigner in their territory. Having lived in the somewhat sheltered space of her grandfather; Dinah probably had not been taught about self defense. And she was raped.
Dinah’s story, albeit painful, is the stark reality for too many women, men and even children. The statistics are worrisome – for, in the course of her life 1 of 3 women will have faced some kind of violence (often at the hands of someone who claims to love them). This means that if more than 2 females read this today, it is likely that one of us (them plus me) have encountered harassment or overt violence at some point of our lives.
To the Dinahs in our midst, I wish us to know, I am sorry any one should experience abuse. It’s wrong, it’s not your fault, you didn’t ask for it; please don’t let this narrowly define who we are. God loves us even when we survive these situations. I’m praying healing.
Although we hear the narrative facts, we have no access to Dinah’s truth. We are however thankful that the blame (or proof of non-complicity) is NOT thrust upon her, as often happens in these times.
So then, what do we do with these Bible stories which paint such horrible tales about the lives of everyday un/common people? I dare say we cannot ignore them away. Not when they represent the lived reality of many persons today. This may be one of those opportunities for us to offer hope, healing and transformation as people of faith.
Even as we pray for an end to violence, we can work with civil authorities to create, strengthen and support laws to discourage violence. We can create or support shelters (safe spaces) to accommodate abused people when home is no longer safe. We MUST ACT and SPEAK OUT against abuse and violence; naming it for what it is; even, or especially when it happens close to home. Let’s try to accompany those who survive – not all do – as well as their families. It is believed that one who witnesses violence also carries scars which manifest in a variety of possible ways.
Loving the enemy is not easy; and perpetrators of abuse may be seen as the enemy. And; even as we seek to punish the offenders; it is worth thinking about ways to ‘rehabilitate’ or accompany them. The Shechems around us NEED help; or they may continue to wreak havoc even in their old age.
Let’s speak up about these painful realities, using whichever medium we can for the sake of humanity.
Today we place all Dinahs in your care Lord, the women, girls, boys, men and babies who have and or will face abuse and violence at some point in their lives. I ask you to show us how to accompany them and to affirm their dignity. Bring healing, hope and courage for a better tomorrow we pray; in Jesus Christ amen.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
