The overwhelming wave of realization slowly crested and came crashing down on the young man. He slowly folded inward as his strength to hold up a strong front crumbled. But then he turned into the embrace of his father who was kneeling next to the bench he sat on. The new diagnosis of HIV had shattered him, three months into his new marriage, both with what it meant for his future and the shame he felt. Like two figures carved form the same block of wood, the young man turned into his father’s chest, tears flowing down his old blue jacket. His father stared out, like the mother from Dorothea Lange’s famous photo. I sat for a few minutes, a stranger on the outside of this intimate scene.
She was carried into the ER in his strong arms, the blood flowing down his bare arms. She had been hit by a car and it was apparent that she was not going to be with us much longer. Blood streamed from her ears, nose, and mouth. We started to try to stabilize her, protecting her airway and obtaining intravenous access, but we knew that there was nothing we could do to halt the process that had begun. Her father, sensing what was happening, anxiously followed each breath. As they began to slow, he cried out again and again, “Lewa, no can lusim mi,” “My heart, don’t leave me.”
In the love of these two earthly fathers, I glimpsed the smallest picture of what our Father’s love is like for us. These two fathers would have done anything for their children, gladly taken their place. In Isaiah 49:15-17a, God is speaking to Zion, answering their complaints of feeling forgotten: “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands…”
As we enter this season of Lent, I pray that you would know and feel the love of the Father for you. Even in the midst of darkness and suffering, He is with us.
Oh Dan,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing these so profound stories from Kudjip with us!
This vital Christian Ministry reflects your vocation and work with Purpose. Every time that you sit next to your patients, when you look into their eyes, when you touch their hands to accompany on this difficult road of suffering… It is there, when the words can heal like the best drug.
I have read in my dear book “Semiology” that know how to listen and accompany to the people is a highly complex learning, but humanistic. How true this is! because It seems so hard to find a good listener in our times!
Henri Nouen said:
“Listening is much more than allowing another to talk while waiting for a chance to respond. Listening is paying full attention to others and welcoming them into our very beings”
In my career as a Family Law Attorney, often I must to take the time to listen to the peoples, their life histories, their hopes, aspirations and frustrations, but also judge righteously.
I hope that the Father's love always brings rejuvenation and encouragement to you. May we continue the faithful work of doing disciples, on whatever stage the Lord has set before us.
Was auch geschieht: Gott ist uns nahe!
Whatever happens: God is close to us!
Pase lo que pase: ¡Dios está cerca de nosotros!
You painted such a good picture of 2 father's love. What a heart wrenching and beautiful tragic example. And how this can relate to God's love is really perfect as I have been to our Maundy Thursday service. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being with these beautiful needy people! Happy Easter, Daniel!
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