This series is based on real statements actually heard in risk situations.
#7 "This Too Shall Pass."
A worker is sharing a risk situation with a veteran on the field or supporter back home, not knowing what to do, and receives this response, "This too shall pass." Being on the receiving end of this statement, a "tape" of synonymous thoughts implied by this statement begin playing in my head:
- "I'm making too big of a deal about the risk, threat, danger - whatever it is that is causing my anxiety.
- "I'm being weak, not strong like the other person, because clearly that threat isn't bothering them.
- "I'm reading the situation wrong"
- "I would know this if I had been here as long as him/her.
I've always found Daniel 4:3 to be so inspiring and calming - God's Kingdom will go on forever and ever. It helps me to keep my eyes up to know that one day, all will be made right. But it still doesn't answer the urgent question, the urgent demand, of knowing what to do TODAY.
There are no guarantees that "it shall pass," so it seems a bit condescending and arrogant to suggest that one knows this.
As with all the previous unhelpful statements discussed, a worker needs help in discernment and decision making when they share. Giving a trite statement like this is really self-serving for the individual saying it, and is slothfulness of soul because there is an unwillingness to really help the worker sort through what is the risks, dangers, threats.
Let's be the spiritual mothers and fathers needed by all those serving in dangerous places and graciously and humbly help those trying to work out what it means to persevere in hard situations.
Go To:
Unhelpful Things People Say in Risk #6
