With the onset of social media and the Information Age, we are no longer hidden from the realities of our very broken world and it's very broken people.
Regardless of your belief system or faith background we all have the sense that something is not entirely right with the world. From a Christian perspective we would view humanity's problems as the result of our sin nature and choosing to follow our own ways as opposed to being connected in relationship with God.
We see the first documented case of rebellion toward God in the book of Genesis, and the result of sin entering the world everyday that we are alive.
With access to the rest of the world right at our fingertips it seems that hardly a day goes by where we don't hear of some tragedy or evil act that breaks our hearts and affects our ability to relate with our fellow humans.
Most recently we have heard reports of crisis in Syria, injustice in Iraq, racial & social tensions in Ferguson, MO over the death of Mike Brown, Ebola, etc.
Even the suicide of a beloved celebrity and comedian in Robin Williams has stirred something deep in the hearts of so many.
I have seen many people commenting on these issues and more over the last several weeks and have chosen largely to remain silent. It's not because I don't have anything to say or even people that wouldn't listen, but because in an age where everyone has a voice and a place to use it, I have intentionally decided to do more listening.
I should backtrack slightly, I'm a horrible listener. I'm much better at instantly spouting off whatever strong options I have to anyone who is in earshot and I sometimes struggle to really consider how what I'm saying is being heard or how it may affect others.
I'm used to having multiple platforms to say stuff and people wanting to hear what I have to say, but in the blessing of having an audience I found myself losing touch with what it means to speak words that carry weight.
When I take no time in the presence of God, to seek the Holy Spirit, and to really think before I speak, I act in opposition to being a good steward of the audience I have. Whether that's one person or a hundred.
I'm about to get married and I need to listen to my future spouse and what she communicates. Im in a new job as a missionary in Lake Township, OH and I need to listen to the people who live here. I'm the director of a small nonprofit, I'm a friend, I'm a son, and I'm a follower of Jesus and I need to listen to God and the people in my life.
I'm equating listening with really and truly hearing. This means I don't just open my ears but I open my heart as well to show my audience, whoever that may be, that they matter.
Where does this tie in with social injustice and celebrity deaths?
Like I said, today everyone has a voice and all information is available to us. We see the brokenness, the deaths, the pain, the tragedy.
How do you engage with and receive these issues? Do you truly listen to and hear the people in your lives?
Perhaps if Robin Williams had felt better heard, listened to, and cared for in his battle with depression we would have seen a different outcome, I don't know.
Perhaps if we truly soaked in the various global crisis situations we would not merely shake our heads or throw up a quick prayer but discover new ways to be the change, be the solution, advocate, and simply care.
I'm not saying prayer is invalid, but within our prayer how do we engage?
If we really listened to those we deem as poor and needy how would that change the way we do charity and outreach? Would we find we aren't always the ones with the answers?
If we simply engaged with, listened to, and demonstrated a genuine care for those closest to us at home, work, school, etc how would communities change and flourish?
I'm tired of preventable tragedies, tired of the broken world, and I'm assuming you are too.
We take the time to listen and care because we know that death and decay and brokenness and hopelessness don't have the final say. We have a God who has conquered death, fought to reconcile himself to the humans he loves, and made a way for us to be In relationship with Him.
We are his agents of redemption, we are the hands and feet, we as Jesus followers can experience the peace of God in our hurt and give that to the world.
Pray for those affected by tragedy, pray for your loved ones and neighbors. Engage with the brokenness because you know a powerful God is on your side.
Don't hide. Don't run. Fight the war inside yourself and in the world with everything you got empowered by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Nothing can separate us from the love, hope, and redemption in Christ. May we listen to what Jesus is saying to us so that we can be better listeners and caregivers. We are comforted by God so that we may be a comfort, and the opportunities to do so are all around us.
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:55-58 NIV)
