Throughout our class meetings this semester we have focused on the immaterial aspects of man. We have discussed the biblical nature and defining characteristics of the soul, the spirit, the heart, the mind, and the conscience – all in an effort to somehow help solidify the idea that the material and immaterial are inextricably intertwined up to the point of death. We have also discussed the value of each person as defined by God when He sent His son to atone for the sins of the world. Every human life has value that surpasses every other creation and was purchased at a premium price. the price paid serves as an engagement of sorts...a betrothal in which God has purchased us in the hopes of bringing us into His family. God never said that “some” lives have value, but all. He didn’t select the fittest, the prettiest, the healthiest or the wealthiest for salvation. If only mankind could get their mind around this and start behaving accordingly….
As a woman, a Christian, and a mother, when I read articles like this one I find it difficult to know how to react first as so many emotions race to the surface. I feel intense anger, sadness, fear, and a strong desire to rescue and to see justice served. This kind of blatant disregard for human life gets me every time.
Counseling is a profession of advocacy. This means that it seeks to protect, defend and speak for that which is valuable is God's eyes. And I like to think we’re pursuing it because we understand the value of every human life. I hope that each of us is striving to sharpen our counseling skills for the benefit of others while also helping to weave the magnificence of the gospel story into their lives – so that they know that whatever they’re facing, whatever the struggle, God’s plan for them is perfect and that his “purchase” was not a mistake. Helping clients to internalize a secure sense of value in Christ will go a long way toward helping them to work through other life struggles, and will be a clear reminder to us as professionals every day why our work is so important and needed.
This article broke my heart, especially since I was in a nearby country to India last semester for a few months and saw first hand how de-valued women and girls were. It was also illegal there to find out the sex of the baby beforehand. It's so difficult to imagine my life like one of those little starving girl's life in India. One of the missionaries I worked with said it best in regards to the ministry we were working with in South Asia, "We can't take away all of their poverty or hunger, but if we can share Christ with them, we can give them some hope."
ReplyDeletewow...i want to cry!! what in the world!?!? it's so hard to fathom how this is allowed in India. Then I had to sit back and realize that America too is killing their children, just a few months earlier while still in the womb. Your post challenged me in it's discussion of our call as counselors to advocate especially for those who have no voice. I desire for God to show me especially how I can do this more here.
ReplyDeleteI also was intrigued with the part of the article saying that women cried when they realized that they had given birth to a girl. I wondered how that emotional reaction would influence that girls attachment style, and how many indian girls suffer with attachment issues. Telling Yourself the Truth talks about the "self destructive anguish" that we are duped by at different points of time, and I hope that we can help identify and come along side those who suffer in this way and be vessels of Christ's healing power.
This was such a touching post Angela! In our hearts we know that each life has value, but it is only as Christians that we understand why we are valuable. First it is because God lovingly made us and then it is because he bought us. Reading your post made me think of sections from "Hurt People, Hurt People". My first thought is that women would recognize the injustice that they are facing and stand up for each other, but that is not the case. As is described in the book, hurt is passed on from one generation to the next and we often hurt others in the same ways we were hurt. This can happen due to the poor examples we received during childhood. Though it is not an excuse, it is worth noting that today's perpetrators are often yesterdays victims.
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