The news is littered with Katrina stories marking the 1 year anniversary of the storm. Our own crew of 2 staff and 4 students just returned from the Bay St. Louis, MS area where they were meeting with folk. The pictures they brought back show the immensity of the damage and the devastation that still has not been touched: boats in parking lots, houses off pilings, cars upside down, stores with all their insides still as it was a year ago.
But today I was listening to a story on the radio of a NO police officer who came to Philly to try to start over. Through lots of help from Philadelphia, the federal government, the Fraternal Order of Police and churches, the Phillips family was able to have a house rented for him in SW Philly. Not a great area at all. Its interesting that his being plunked down in this particular neighborhood and seeing the apathy toward the homeless is what really brought out the pain and flashbacks for him. Seeing the uncaring attitudes of those who are supposed to be helping the homeless brought waves of pent up pain and grief.
What biblical categories do we have for this level of pain and anguish? Its easy for us to get an “out of sight, out of mind” mentality where we think that those who are no longer in danger should be able to get over their traumas. A 30 year old woman who was sexually abused by her uncle for several years should be able to function. A father of a boy who committed suicide after a fight between them should be able to move on 5 years later.
I’m reminded that we have to do a better job in helping others explore their deep agonies, see the beauty that is around them, and sensitize ourselves to the plight of others if we have any hope in helping others heal through the hope of the Gospel.
Musings on Faith and Psychology 