The Churches' Response to Tragedy

This weekend, churches across the nation have lead their congregations in prayer for the small Connecticut community that is trying to find healing. Our western society has many confusing and godless mumbo jumbo but it still values (generally speaking) children and their innocence. This is why we consider one man's actions to end the lives of twenty children and several elementary teachers and staff especially heinous. Within hours, social media exploded with alternating statements of judgmental and righteous anger to sorrow and overwhelming grief. As a Christian, I can identify with both of these emotions but my faith gives comfort and perspective. The world cannot begin to understand that. 

I wanted to write about this on my blog because I think it connects to my previous thoughts on how man and woman is created in the image of God. How we identify ourselves is not a static occurrence. Our personal beliefs are translated into actions and behaviors.  Because I am a Christian my identity is found in the scandalous grace, unconditional love, and justification that is given to me by Christ's work on the Cross. I have an eternal hope that rests in my Redeemer. The world does not understand the significance of Calvary because they have not understood original creation and the consequence of sin. The world has no hope. 

Some of you may have already read this article "Thinking the Unthinkable" written by the Anarchist Soccer Mom.  
I posted this paragraph (see below) in response to a facebook dialogue.

I have worked with several children who struggle with expressing emotion or understanding emotion. Even though there are clinical definitions, each mental illness differs in how it presents in a child. This can make it difficult for a clinician to make a diagnosis, which in turn, makes it difficult for the child (and their caregivers) to receive any services. 

With each child, there needs to be a support system for ALL of his/her needs including, proper medication, therapy, spiritual guidance for child and caregiver(s) etc. 

Unfortunately, throughout history persons with mental illness have not been treated fairly nor with love of Jesus Christ. Persons with mental illness have been killed, ignored, tortured, or locked up. Our western godless society has decided that previous methods are unfair, but they don't truly understand why (Man and woman is made in God's image & have eternal souls). With the lack of that knowledge, our society will never be able to address any of these issues.

Broken worldview cannot be expected to repair broken people. Only the love of Jesus Christ can do that. This is what our society, our world, is sorely lacking. The question then is, what are WE doing? How are we showing the love of Christ and reaching the broken, forgotten, and shunned peoples?

Historically speaking, Christians have been involved in mental health services. Some of the Church's involvement was Christlike, some of it was not. Currently, the Christian church is taking a minor role in mental health. There are small clinics, hospitals, and research facilities adjunct to religious universities.

However...

There remains an enormous unmet need for persons with mental illness. I think I can safely say, in general terms, that there are still many Christians who are not engaging in their community either with time, talent, or financial resources. Just as one person can make a devastating effect on a community, so can one person make a positive impact in a life of one person. 

What if, one church or one bible study became a support group for a single mom with a child with a mental illness? 
What if, once a week several college students or other adults offered free babysitting so that relative caregivers could have a break? 

What if..

I do not have all of the answers. I have some ideas, some ideas might be workable. I know that it is easy to refuse to act because I don't have all the answers. I have done that more times than I care to admit. 

The Scriptures abound in encouragement for the believer. For I was not created with a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7), but of power and love. (New King James) I would encourage you, dear Readers, to search and mediate on Scripture as we ask for guidance concerning our involvements in our respective communities. 

Rise up, O Church. Rise up, women of valor and men of righteousness. Answer the call to defend the weak, the oppressed, and the downtrodden. May we be His witness of Christ's love by being faithful, to the" least of these". Amen.