Can you care too much?

For those who want a more in depth view of the International Justice Mission and some insight into the founder, Gary Haugen, I found this article to be informative and well-written. It is relatively substantial, and I appreciated that it included some criticism. I found the title a bit misleading: "The Enforcer: A Christian Lawyer's Global Crusade." Let me know what you think of the title. In my various readings and wanderings, I also found this article about sex-trafficking into the United States. IJM works overseas, but both Gary Haugen and the director of anti-trafficking operations, Sharon Cohn, are quoted. 

Please be warned: both of these articles are difficult to read. They are heart-breaking. After I read the second article, I lay face down in bed and thought of how to encourage those of you who perhaps are completely unaware that such horrible things are happening in such prosaic places as Vista, California. The phrase leaped to mind "among whom you shine as lights in the world." (Philippians 2:15) In such a "crooked and perverse generation" as the verse says, your light of love makes a far greater impact than you know. Love God and follow as He leads. He is connecting entity, and even though you may not physically be involved in a rescue, your prayers and love of those He puts in your way WILL make a difference. I also thought of this verse that I have up in my cubicle: "We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed..." 2 Corinthians 4:8-9. This is an encouraging passage for justice work.

As I continue to intake these stories and navigate my own story, I am learning how to live with a broken heart. At times I have been cautioned, criticized, and misunderstood for caring so much about other people's suffering. Frankly, it is difficult for me to receive this feedback from people who I do not perceive to be as caring. I often conclude that people are missing out on the joy of being involved in God's works of justice and mercy. Yet, I know I often mishandle my sympathy for the suffering. This conference validated the conclusion at which I have arrived over the past several months of talking with God and experiencing a wide range of brokenheartedness. 

Although I am still figuring out what this looks like, I have come to believe that being brokenhearted is the correct response. When I read the Bible, I cannot get away from how fiercely God calls us to care for the poor and oppressed. It's inescapable how much He loves! However, I have also come to see that dead souls are the worst form of suffering, and this is why Jesus weeps over Jerusalem. I have also come to see that although I will always be affected by the plight of the poor and oppressed and will always work to replace injustice with God's restorative justice, I cannot let brokenheartedness steal my joy. This is a subject of much prayer; hence the many "I will" statements I have referenced. For example, I will choose the Lord even when He seems stingy with joy. I will trust Him even when I do not understand why He allows such levels of suffering. I will proclaim His goodness in 2am blog posts when I have to wake up in 4.5 hours. With that, the end.