I hesitated for a long time writing this one because I don’t want it to be misconstrued as a comment on India’s culture. In fact, this is an issue that, sadly, is far too common in the world in which we live. So please, simply take this as my tribute to one woman.
She is patient while she teaches me my first letter of her mother tongue. Again, and again, she patiently listens to my honest attempts at making such a foreign sound and repeats the correct version for me. She stops her sweeping. She is bent over with age that is probably not nearly as old as the wrinkles on her tired face.
For years she has been beaten by her husband. Still, she remains by his side. His health is poor, broken by a stroke. She attends to him still and is faithful to his needs. In spite of his sickness - and from his bedside - he continues to beat her.
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5 comments:
Not sure what to comment... But I want to participate with you, and reflect with you.
First, I appreciate your hesitancy, your respect for the culture, that resists letting one extreme situation color our vision of the entire culture.
Second, I will remind myself and you that this kind of treatment is not unique to India. Unfortunately, there are many American couples who find themselves in a similar situation. I dealt with one earlier this year, where her family and her religion combined to keep her captured in a home with an alcoholic, jobless, abusive husband.
May God continue to break our ridiculous understandings of relationships and Scripture that cause women of the world to be trapped in their own homes. May God continue to renew and reform the minds of men who assume themselves to be superior to women solely based on being born male. May God continue to bring about a world where there is truly no longer any Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female.
Blessings to you Katherine...
I love you Katherine.
What if that is the only affection she's ever known? How does she know it can be any different? Humans can sometimes be so much more powerful and present than GOD'S love, because GOD'S love is based on faith. I pray for you; that you will be able to help her hear GOD'S voice as that gentle, safe place, of refuge. I wish that for all of us. You are such an incredible person Katherine. Thank you for trying to help those who can't help themselves.
Hello Kat,
I don'know if that lady shared her life with you or if you heard her story from someone else. Regardless, I believe that our Lord has a purpose for you being there and her being in your life.
Remember the servant at our house when you were visiting us?? Well, her husband beats her up and abuses her at night. That's why she spents the night at our house after working all day at our house. Even though she lives close by, she can't even sleep peacefully at her own house. It is absolutely ridiculous. I am so glad that my Dad and Mom opened our house for her to stay.
Also, I know a lot of people around our neighborhood thats going thru the same situation and also a few that killed themselves from their husband's absuse.
I am glad to know that you went to Puthuppally and spent time with Sakhi this week. Heard you walked from Mandriam. Be careful walking around like that.. Narrow roads and crazy bus drivers are always a threat to your life. Have a Merry Christmas. Soni is coming to India in January so I am sure that you will get to spend time with him. Pinne Vishasham endo undu? Valloom Para Puchae....
Happy New Year Katherine! I've been thinking about you soooo much over the past 2 weeks. I miss you dearly and can't wait to catch up with you this summer- who knows where?! I received a Christmas present from the Sieke's that was 2 bracelets made by "Beads for Life", an organization for women affected with HIV in Uganda- it reminded me of Beads for Seeds! Your mom also found me some Matt & Nat, so know the various small and big ways you touch and influence my life! I love you so much! Love, Caroline
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