Downton Abbey, Mrs. Hughes, “You should think Mr. Lang, you are not the only member of the walking wounded in this house.”
We never know as we walk about day to day who is a member of this group. The walking wounded, those whose scars, trauma and pain are covered over with skin and bones. The suffering heart, broken, and yet unseen by the naked eye. “Shell shock” it used to be called and is now better known as PTSD, post traumatic stress, killing softly with its song.
Suffering quietly is how many people cope. They are in fear of being judged and if we listen we can hear their pain. The key is we need to WANT to listen and hear the pain. Often when pain meets pain neither are heard.
As I meet people after I lead worship they often have gleaned something in my message or choice of readings that gives them courage to share their story. This is the cracking of the m&m shell allowing the gooey to flow. When I do what I do I need to be ready to get some of the gooey on me and I am happy to do so.
I welcome the walking wounded into my world. I am happy to be that place where story can be told, over and over again, until the pain is exhausted and soothed.
Come and share your story. Come to group and share.
#breakingstibah
#breakingstibah 