I saw something on the Metro yesterday that continues to haunt me and bring me to tears. As bitter as the memory is, I hope I never forget it. I know that there is a purpose in experiencing pain that is far greater than I fully understand. But I'm confident that the Lord works ALL things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Thank you, Jesus, for putting compassion and discernment in my heart as I encounter the dark things of the world.
We got on the Metro at our normal stop and I sat down. About seven feet away from me there was a girl, probably eleven or twelve years old. She had long blonde hair all rolled up in a bun on the back of her head. She wore a dark blue winter coat and stood near the door of the train. When I noticed her, she was holding onto the bar for support on the moving train and a stoic expression across her face. Mostly she just seemed quiet, but did talk a few times to the man standing next to her.
I thought, he could be her Dad. But it was a weak, unconvincing thought, because I very quickly felt like something was not right. He was not her Dad. She didn't know him. There was no hint of familiarity on her face, only a fearful independence. I knew that she was alone and afraid.
Panic began to rise in me; I grew fidgety with worry. "What do I do?!"
The man was probably in his forties. He was tall and larger than the average Russian man, which contributed to the fierceness of his stance. He was kind of scraggly-looking and unkempt, too. He would say something to her and she would respond. He lowered his ear closer to her, indicating he couldn't hear, and she repeated her response in his ear. As he moved his head closer to her's, she dropped her hand from the bar and took a step back. She might have looked around, but I don't remember.
I felt like I was going to burst with the imploring question, "What do I do?!"
A woman a few seats down from me said something to the girl and quickly took her hand and pulled her over, away from the man. She looked the girl in her eyes and spoke gently, calmly, with a reassuring smile on her face. She kept the girl's hands in her own and tenderly stroked them with her thumbs. The kind woman just kept holding her her hands and talking to her, keeping her focus off the man who kept looking at them.
The girl's face and demeanor changed suddenly. She looked calm. She knew she could trust this woman. She knew she was safe. I felt confident she would be safe.
As soon as we left the Metro I grabbed my friend and told her I needed to explain what I had just seen. I started talking and just began to weep. I was so overcome with sadness and burdened by the brokenness in the world. Even now, I can't stop tears from streaming down my cheeks. I felt overwhelmed at the prospect of what could have happened, had nobody seen this child alone, but surrounded by onlookers. How often does something like this happen, and the end look very, very different? How often am I blinded to the brokenness of the world?
My heart is broken. I'm thankful to the Lord for opening my eyes, but so deeply saddened at the same time. I know there is purpose in experiencing brokenness: developing compassion, being moved to the point of action, developing a deeper understanding of God's heart, gaining a renewed understanding of man's depravity and absolute need for a Savior.
"For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness, I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them." Isaiah 61:8
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
"He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young." Isaiah 40:11
"Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow." Isaiah 1:14
God cares about our brokenness and the brokenness that fills the world. His provision is Jesus Christ. I'm so thankful, Lord, that this place is not our home, but you are preparing for us something so much greater! Until then, may my heart never grow apathetic or indifferent toward the injustices of this world. Help me to fight for freedom and truth for the oppressed.
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