Several years ago, a woman stopped by my office to ask if she could speak with me. Here was one of those moments of internal struggle as my plate was very full that day and I had no clue how long this might take.
She wasted little time launching into her dilemma, but not before I saw ALL the scars on both her arms from obvious suicide attempts – and I do mean ALL the scars – scores of scars.
She confirmed my near-immediate assessment of serious mental health issues when she claimed she was the daughter of one of the east coast’s chief warlocks. She then unloaded this barrage of atrocities she alleged she endured as the chief priestess with a plethora of blood-letting rituals and animal sacrifices.
But she had had enough. She couldn’t take it anymore, so she ran. She was on the lam for her life. For her life? Well, she claimed her dad ordered a hit on her for abandoning her role and posing a serious threat of exposure.
I knew what I must do the moment she left my office. I would call the police and ask them to pick her up and take her where she would receive proper mental care. I think she stayed about two hours, telling me of things I couldn’t even imagine.
She was barely out the church door when I reached for my phone, but another knock at my door interrupted my intention. I’m thinking she was back to disclose more. I was wrong. There stood an unfamiliar man.
He started with this introduction: “I see you met” – and he mentioned her name. “I guess she told you all about her history,” at which point I almost interjected, “Yes, very sad that someone could be so emotionally disturbed.” But because the man hadn’t yet identified himself, I held my tongue. That’s when he pulled out his badge and stated, “I’m with the FBI’s Witness Protection Program. We’re hiding her from her father who is one of the head warlocks in America.”
Just when you think you’ve seen or heard it all, you realize you haven’t. Well, the same holds true for what is happening in our great land today. Police reform is one thing, and frankly a good thing, but defunding entire departments? Let’s be soberly careful what we ask for – because we may just get it.
This coming weekend we’ll all reflect on our country’s Independence, a subject that’s taking on a whole new meaning in our day. A police officer can use excessive force to subdue a man who didn’t appear to be resisting arrest? And rioters can loot businesses all over the country because this is fair and equal retribution?
Of course, this current wave of independence merely reflects so much of our nation’s presumption of what constitutes freedom in America. Do whatever you please, and who cares if someone gets hurt! But is this what our Christian faith and heritage solicits? Please come this Sunday to our 10 AM outdoor service to learn more. And bring your favorite outdoor chair.