Hands: Suffering, Part 2 (Scholar’s Compass)

Mark Eckel continues his series on suffering. See the series introduction and Part 1 here.  

Quotation

When we honestly ask ourselves which persons in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. Henri Nouwen, Out of Solitude

Reflection

Hands are meant for holding.

When it happened, some turned away, others vomited, more cried, a few collapsed.

But one, Luke Hancock, ran to  hold his friend’s hand, praying for him. [1]

In 2013 Louisville was playing in a basketball playoff game against Duke. One of the Louisville players, Kevin Ware, suffered  a gruesome compound fracture; the tibia had broken, protruding through the skin.  Ware screamed in pain. Paramedics ran to the scene.

But Luke Hancock was the first one there,  hand-in-hand, praying for his friend.

What do we do when we see others in pain, anguish, turmoil, or trouble?  “You Find Out Who Your Friends Are” is a country song that should express our answer. Jeremiah was the only prophet who rushed to the aid of Judah. He wept for his beloved city, Jerusalem (8.18-9.3, 13.15-17). Jeremiah stood by his suffering countrymen for forty years when everyone else turned away.

Jesus’ famous story of the Samaritan who stopped by  when others  passed by  should be how we  stand by  those who suffer  (Luke 10.25-37). Acts 4.32-37 tells that first century Christians who had seen others in need came alongside to help. James 2.14-17 reminds readers that we should help others by meeting their physical needs. 1 John 3.16-18 implores Christians that our love is shown by offering our material goods to those who have none. Deuteronomy 15.7-11 explains that being “tight fisted” toward financial sufferers is wrong; instead, we should be  “open handed.”

A statue of Jesus  stands outside Christ the King Church in San Diego. The almost life-size figure is like others one might see in a cemetery, on someone’s lawn, or near a church building with one exception:  the statue has no hands. It seems vandals them cut off.

The pastor decided to leave the statue as it was. A sign was erected next to the Christ sculpture, later replaced by a permanent plaque intended for Christians:  “I have no hands but yours.”  All offers to repair the statue were turned down. [2]

Hands  were important to Teresa of Avila (1515–1582) who is said to have written,

Christ has no body but yours
No hands, no feet on earth  but yours

My  “hands”  of help might take many forms with  my neighbors in need:

• Did my friend just lose his job needing connections toward  employment?
• Has someone I know just dealt with  death  in the family? Do they need my listening ear, my cooking, or my shoulder to cry on?
• Can I pay for some service, expense, or necessity for someone who  cannot pay?
• A dread  disease  has just claimed it latest victim. Can I care for the family’s children giving time for doctor’s visits, sleep, or distraction?

Reporters asked Luke Hancock why he ran to  hold his friend’s hand  when others looked away.

Hancock said he did not want his friend to suffer alone.

May we rush to aid other sufferers as we are able, becoming  the hands of Jesus.

Questions

1. In what specific ways can I help my fellow student or professor whose life just came crashing down around them?
2. How can I make connections for those who are looking for help in their research, writing, or job hunting?
3. Whom do I see around me in the next office, apartment next door, or library carrel who would benefit from my support, encouragement, or a conversation over lunch?

Prayer

Dear Lord. Help me to see my brother and sister who work, study, or live with me as my “neighbor.” May I offer whatever I have so that they might not be without. May I give of my time, talent, and treasure to those in need. May I be prompted by Your Spirit in my spirit to be aware of practical ways of outreach. May I never forget how much You have given me. Amen.

Notes

[1] Adam Himmelsbach, “Kevin Ware on Louisville Teammate ‘Who Touched My Heart’,”  USA Today Online  4 April 2013, http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/bigeast/2013/04/04/luke-hancock-kevin-ware-support-broken-leg/2052185/

[2] Sam Lucero, “Immigrants and Open Arms,”  The Compass News Online  30 October 2013,  http://www.thecompassnews.org/2013/10/immigrants-open-arms/

Picture credits:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/bigeast/2013/04/04/luke-hancock-kevin-ware-support-broken-leg/2052185/

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Note: Part of both the  Scholar’s Compass  series  and a series on suffering by Mark Eckel. Part 2.  See  the series introduction and Part 1 here.