I’ve probably
labored over this post far more than I should have. However, over the years
I’ve watched a lot of abuse and injustice, both real and imagined, among those
I’ve worked with, I feel compelled to start the dialogue somewhere, recognizing
this is a very big topic that has considerable impact on health and well being.
Most of us have
grown up being told to “turn the other cheek” when someone hurts us. The idea
is that we forgive and forget. But is this really what Christ meant on his
Sermon on the Mount?
“Turn the other
cheek,” was actually a non violent stance against injustice. In Jewish custom
at the time of Christ, the left hand (reserved for “unseemly uses”) would not
have been used. It would have been a backhanded blow to the right cheek, which
means a superior hit an inferior. Social equals only fought with fists. Therefore
if the inferior (e.g. peasant) were to turn the other cheek, an overhand blow
with the fist would be required thereby making the inferior equal to the aggressor.
The True Meaning of Turn the Other Cheek
While we’re at it, I
might as well mention the other adage -“go the extra mile.” That too is a
lesson in non violent protest, By Roman law a Roman soldier could force anybody to
carry his equipment 1 mile. In Matthew 5:41 Jesus told his followers 'if
somebody forces you to go 1 mile go 2 miles with him', thereby putting them in
a very socially compromised position.
Interestingly both
Rev. Martin Luther King Jr and Mahatma Gandhi noted the Sermon on the Mount as
providing the foundation for their political non violent protests. The basic
message is use other means then violence, but absolutely respond when injustice
is done to you. Forgive-yes, forget-really, do you want to have to relearn the
lesson?
People put up with
horrendous behavior, rationalizing it in many different ways-“he didn’t mean
it,” “I’ll be the bigger person,” “she’s sick,” “they don’t know better,” “they
were really angry (upset, sleepy, hadn’t eaten etc.), “they had a hard
childhood,” “they are oppressed,” or they incorrectly quote the Bible about
turn the other cheek. In fact, this quote, as it’s been interpreted today, helps to let people off the “emotional hook”
by just ignoring the offending behavior. These types of situations are loaded
with anger, fear, jealousy, aggression,, betrayal etc. and aren’t easy to deal
with. It’s easier to be a door mat than a door stop.
Whether it’s a
caregiver upset by how unkind the person they are caring for is to them, or the
person with a serious illness who remains in an abusive relationship because
“who else would have me,” the message is the same. When people treat you badly,
are abusive or violent towards you, regardless if it’s a spouse/partner,
friend, work colleague, a patient, medical provider, pastor, the government or
anyone one else, it’s not okay. Further, ignoring it doesn’t change
anything and may make it worse.
Consider the following:
• We are each
responsible for our behavior, emotional well being, feelings and how we respond
to any given situation. If you interviewed a group of people about to go rock
climbing for the first time, some will be euphoric, others might have some
concerns and still others are beyond terrified. Same situation, but each
responds differently. It is for this reason more than any other that you should
not take on anyone’s emotional issues other than your own. In addition, since
it’s not your decision how they respond, spending a lot of time trying to
justify or rationalize their behavior isn’t helpful.
• Start with
yourself and examine what you are bringing to the table. If you say or do
something that is hurtful apologize and make amends if required.
• Don’t add to problematic
relationships by firing off e-mails, sending texts or leaving voice messages
before you have carefully thought it through. Attack only leads to counter
attack and before you know it, you’re in a vicious cycle.
• Forgiveness
is key to your well being. If someone has hurt you, forgive them. As long as you delay forgiveness that person has power over you.
The sooner you can forgive, which doesn’t mean forget or feel the need to
reinvest in them, the sooner you regain control. "Resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for it to
kill your enemy." - Nelson Mandela.
• You cannot change
the people around you, but you can change the people you choose to be around. Limit
your time with those who exhibit perverse behaviors (lacking in respect, lying,
hostile, manipulative, unkind, violent, abusive, mistreating other people
etc.). Forgive, offer prayers, compassionate meditation etc. but by no means
continue to engage in a relationship that is not healthy for you.
• Unless you
say something, or do something differently, people will assume that how they
treat you is fine.
• Recognize the
signs of abuse.
• If you are a
medical provider or a caregiver, if the person is being abusive, you do not have
to care for them. By the same token, if you are a person living with a chronic
condition, it does not make you any less of a person and you do not deserve to
be abused. Resources
No comments:
Post a Comment