Women

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Suffering evokes many images. An abused woman or child suffers both physically and emotionally. A woman burdened caring for an ill child or elderly parent becomes emotionally drained. A woman dominated by her spouse suffers emotionally when she can't please him. A woman exploited because of race, sex, religion, or physical or mental disability suffers. In spite of our suffering, Jesus promises us the Kingdom of Heaven.

Through the Beatitudes, Jesus teaches us about suffering. Each stresses a character quality. "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven". Jesus calls us to humble ourselves before Him, stripping ourselves of pride -- to yield to God's ministry on our behalf. What does being "poor in spirit" require? It requires putting God first in our lives, relying on Him and those He sends on His behalf to help us understand what He wants for us. It requires noticing God's work in our lives, as well as, in the world around us, getting involved when we can, and thanking Him for the blessings He provides. Who are the "poor in spirit"? Sometimes, it's me. I forget to thank Him for little things -- answered prayers for resolutions of personal trials or trials of a loved one or friend.

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven." Jesus calls us to commit to helping those in need, no matter what the cause or cost. The cost being an unbreakable, steadfast loyalty. I sometimes question how a woman is blessed for the sake of righteousness when she's experienced persecution.

I've suffered indignities in my life -- discrimination in the work place because of my disbility, as well as, emotional abuse from me who found it humorous to tell me I was pretty or found me sexually attractive only to end the relationship after achieving what they'd set out to achieve -- whether it was pity or satisfying their curiosity of dating someone with a disability. I can't say I find anything right or just about their behavior. Complaining about their disrespect for me as a person, only got me laughed at, and ridiculed, by some saying that I was "lucky" that I had him in my life.

I ended a relationship in the early '90s, having endured a decade of emotional torture. I had fallen in love, or so I thought, with a man wanting nothing but friendship. Because of my feelings for him, which he chose not to reciprocate, the man became obsessed, making my life a living hell. He called constantly making sexually explicit comments. I'd hang up. He'd call back. During the Christmas holidays, I decided to write him, telling him I refused to subject myself to his abuse. He wasn't easily dissuaded. Years have passed since I wrote that letter and he received it. He responded by accepting my strength to say no to him. I had gained his respect and recovered my own self-respect. Throughout my ordeal God was with me. I claimed the Kingdom of Heaven as mine.

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