This series is based on real statements really heard in risk situations.
#2 "Well, I didn't come here to have it easy."
Background:
The team leaders from across the country were being debriefed together. One leader who had experienced significant public persecution made this statement as he looked around at everyone: "Well, I didn't come here to have it easy."
At that point, the safety within the group was compromised, since no one felt safe to share their struggles and fears in their security environment, for fear of being further disparaged. His statement, with the tone and emphasis on "I" and "easy" made it impossible for anyone to share what they truly were struggling with.
Without thinking, this leader had implied that anyone struggling had come overseas with the mindset that it would be easy, which wasn't at all truthful and quite an unfair implication.
Leaders in risk need a much higher level of social awareness and sensitivity to relationship management - both critical aspects of emotional intelligence. The difficult thing about this leader is that he is in leadership with extremely low empathy skills, and was unable to respond sensitively to people in distress while in an increasing risk situation.
Judging others, playing the comparison games, and diminishing the sacrifice of those who have willingly sacrificed much to go to a difficult place has no place within Christ's Body. Paul and the early Church clearly publically commended those who risked their lives.
It is not dishonoring to Christ to admit to struggles, and work through in each risk moment what it means for each individual to follow Him in difficult places. Let's be "safe" pastoral providers to those working in difficult places.
Unhelpful Things People say in Risk #1
Unhelpful Things People say in Risk #3