As we journey through this week with the woman of Judges 19, her ancient story seems all too contemporary. Even as the church across centuries has overlooked or hidden or forgotten her tale, we often ignore or fail to see those in our own day who bear the wounds that come in being treated as though their bodies are not their own. Abuse and human trafficking continue to be two of the primary forms of violence in our world, with most of the recipients of these forms of violence being women and children. Our healing, for men as well as for women, is bound together. In the face of statistics whose magnitude can overwhelm us, how might listening to one story inspire us to take one step that will lead us beyond our feelings of powerlessness?
Wednesday
“My God, no! He’s here—and my father is delighted! He came today, and Father and he are sharing the best of our food and wine. I thought I was free from him and his arrogance and disrespect and abusiveness. But he has come for me. And I don’t want to go! I know my father, though, and he won’t even ask me what I want. He will give me back and not think twice about it. Why did I think I could get away? O God, why did I think it would get better? And where are you? Why does my life continue to be so unfair? I’m afraid. Don’t abandon me . . . ” (From Dorri Sherrill)
I Wonder
Did she have a sister,
I wonder,
who brought the news when he broke the horizon
who held her hand when he trespassed the door
who met his gaze, unflinching
who cried out to her father
who would not share their table
who held her every night
who offered to go in her place
who placed her only ring on her sister’s finger
who packed her bag with bread
who breathed an ancient blessing into her ear
who watched her to the horizon
who remembered her after she left?
—Jan Richardson
Questions for reflection
What do you wonder about this woman, this story? Where might your wondering lead you?
From Sacred Journeys © Jan L. Richardson
