Children may feel powerless as adults talk about them and make decisions for them without allowing them to participate in the conversation. This also happens to patients in the hospital when doctors and nurses discuss their case as if they weren’t even there. People who have lost their housing, their jobs and their families can also feel powerless and marginalized by society.
Instead of dismissing and ignoring people who feel powerless and marginalized, Jesus calls us to listen, to love and bring about healing in their lives. When the disciples were ready to shoo the children away because they were a disturbance, Jesus said, “Let the Children come unto me and do not stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” When the blind man, the leper, the Gentile women, the paralytic, and so many others came to Jesus seeking His help and healing, Jesus made time for them, brought healing and made them whole.
Feeling powerless is a strong, motivating emotion that causes people to respond in a variety of ways. One person may act out inappropriately or with violence while another person may seem to hide or become invisible.
Recently, I attended court to advocate on behalf of some of our participants. As I observed the court proceedings, there was a discussion between the judge, the defense attorney, and the prosecuting attorney as they determined the consequences for the defendants. At different times, the defendants were given the opportunity to speak. When this occurred, the bailiff ensured that decorum was maintained and that they did not overstep. On one occasion, I witnessed a defendant become agitated because he felt he was not being heard. He continued talking and pressed his own case, claiming that he could speak for himself and did not need someone else to speak for him or decide for him. It was apparent that he felt attacked and threatened by those in power that were deciding his fate.
These experiences helped me realize just how important it is to listen to those we might otherwise ignore or dismiss. Jesus said, “Love one another as I have loved you.” Because Jesus first loved us, we are empowered to listen with love and allow Christ’s love to flow through us to bring healing into the lives of those who feel powerless.
Dr. Bruce Metcalf
Executive Director, Merced Rescue Mission
