Wounded Healers

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope

Romans 5:3-4

Unearned suffering is redemptive. That is one of the many great quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As we approach the day that is annually set aside to honor him, I have been looking at some of those quotes.

Our pastor today referenced the phrase wounded healer, a phrase I have usually associated with the book of the same name by the late Henri Nouwen. The idea of a wounded healer speaks to the idea of redemptive suffering. That is, when one has experienced suffering, it must somehow be redeemed for the good of self and others in order to be bearable. This is especially true of unearned suffering, which flaunts our idea of moral justice. Dr. King experienced the suffering brought about by racism and oppression. He was able to redeem that, in a non-violent way, by fighting for justice for all people.

Each of us has experienced some type of suffering, perhaps unearned. The question always before us is “What do we do with that pain?” Do we lash out toward others? Do we curse God as being unjust? Do we simply shrink into ourselves in pity or anger? There are many options for us. The best and healthiest option is to redeem that pain into gain for others.

An example might be parents who have lost a child to some illness setting up a foundation to help others suffering with the same illness.  Whatever the source of suffering, there can be a way to redeem it to the benefit of others.

In so doing, we have given meaning to the suffering which otherwise cannot be explained.

Prayer: Lord, suffering is universal. Help us to redeem it into good for others, Amen