The Walking Wounded
I didn't do anything particularly religious yesterday but I did think a bit about what the holiday means to me. I realized that even though my faith is at an odd place these days--kind of in limbo, to tell the truth--there are certain things about Jesus that really make sense to me.
I think the thing I've always appreciated most about his life and death is that he suffered pain and doubt and humiliation just like the rest of us do. Whatever else you may take from his time on earth, at the very least you know that he hurt like we do.
I'm thinking about this in terms of how everyone you meet, no matter how charmed or blessed their life may seem on the outside, everyone is going through something. Some of us are going through more than others at any given moment, but we are all the walking wounded. I wish we could keep that in mind and give each other the support and acceptance each of us needs.
But it's hard to do. Unless someone is open about what they're going through or feeling, you can't know what they're dealing with. Plus, we've been taught all too well to put on a happy face, be self-sufficient, keep a stiff upper lip no matter what kind of pain we're in. To show vulnerability and admit you need help or are struggling is not necessarily a trait encouraged by society.
So it's up to us, isn't it, to be conscious and look out for one another. After all, you know what it's like when someone looks you in the eye and asks how you're really doing. A little bit of kindness goes an awfully long way and real recognition of your feelings is a rare gift.
And so that's why I think Jesus is still relevant, even if you don't believe in his divinity or resurrection. He saw the brokenness in everyone and offered authentic empathy, not to mention respect, both things I would like to do more of.
Everything But the Girl--"We Walk the Same Line" mp3 off Amplified Heart (buy)
New Buffalo--"I've Got You and You've Got Me" mp3 off The Last Beautiful Day (buy)
I love this post, and couldn't have said it any better. My faith is in
limbo, too, but Jesus is still a great example for all of us.
Once again, Marcy, you have managed to sum up my thoughts and what I'm
going through much better than I ever could. Excellent post.
nat--thanks, nat. limbo was the best way i could describe it, coz it's not
dead but it's not quite alive, either.
I love what you wrote about 'when someone looks you in the eye and asks how
you're really doing.' Sometimes I think that is the very best gift we can
give one another, just to listen and care.
Jesus' teaching and philosophy is more important now than ever. I just wish
more of his adherents practiced what he preached.
greer--thank you, your words mean a lot me. : ) and i agree with you--just
listening and being there is the best thing you can do.
I've been thinking about religion lately too Marcy. I'm not a religious
person but I've been in a lot of churches lately as I tour around England.
There's something so safe and secure about a church, the solid walls and
the sheer amount of time and effort and dedication put into building them
and maintaining them over the centuries. Whenever I enter a beautiful
church I immediately feel calm and it's not a religious thing, just a
feeling I get from the building. Not totally on topic but kinda related!
hi agnes! i don't think it's off topic. i think beautiful churches are a
symbol of the good that can be found in religion and the positive things
people can do in god's name. as long as we take as good care of one another
as we do the buildings, then we'll be in good shape. : )
Beautifully put!
Marcy, Sorry, I am late to reading this but I must tell you this was a
beautiful post. And I agree 100% with how you feel about Jesus. Reading
this post made my day! Thanks! And also, thanks for all the kind comments
you have left over at MNG. Knowing that you understand me is a wonderful
feeling. Thanks for that!
merz--again, thank you so much for your kind words. i'm gratified that what
i said makes sense to you (sometimes i wonder about that, you know!). and
it's never too late to read or comment on a post--never!
Marcy, I'm not a religious person at all.....but that was a truly wonderful
piece of writing.
jc--thank you so much for your comments. they mean a lot to me. : ) you're
absolutely right, of course, about how people sort of gloss right over when
you say, um, actually, i'm not doing too well. maybe the best we can hope
for is that a few people--or even one person at the right time--actually
care enough to recognize how we're truly doing. hope things are better for
you now, whatever it was that was bringing you down last week.
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