Greetings
Eventually, we either break the silence or we lose compassion – but when the reality of humanity’s fall from grace hits us we must respond. If you are able, read the entire chapter which contains today’s Holy Nougat No more victims!
“Everyone who saw it said, “Such a horrible crime has not been committed in all the time since Israel left Egypt. Think about it! What are we going to do? Who’s going to speak up?”” Judges 19:30 NLT
It is the most depraved act of abuse in the biblical narrative; perhaps compounded only by her civil status.
She was the priest’s concubine. Not counted as a wife, but serving the purpose nevertheless, although she was an Israelite.
She was a daughter. And evidently beloved by her father; who kept creating reasons to delay her departure from his house.
She was a victim. Thrown out to satisfy the appetite of inhospitable men, she was violated and abused and left for dead. She crawled to the porch step, her shame overwhelmed by need of immediate medical intervention. It never happened. We know she was unconscious; possibly dead when found.
She was hacked and sent to the nation as proof of how low they had fallen. People were appalled.
Has she been forgotten?
No.
She is remembered each time another girl or woman is assaulted and victimized; especially when the act goes beyond words.
She is the Indian girl raped on the bus; the Jamaican girl who made the news having been raped, murdered, and BURNT! She is the missing girls of Nigeria; she is every one who slipped through the cracks because someone determined she would be victim rather than human. She is the one who managed to survive but still grapples with the shame, the blame of “allowing” herself to be abused. She’s collateral damage in a battle of wills; wars for turf, proof of power!
She is our daughter; our sister; our relative; our friend; the stranger we ignored! She is you; she is me.
She is evidence of humanity at our worst.
She cries out for justice from the grave!
Can you hear her? Will you help her please?
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
