Compassion Sure Isn't Trending.

Christians Lack Compassion.

Robin Williams’ suicide; Christian band Gungor’s declaration that he doesn’t believe in the bible; and Christian musician Vicky Beeching recently announced her gay identity to the world.

Television was “honoring” Williams by replaying his movies and this bothered people that didn’t want the word honor included with the topic of suicide. I’ve heard reactions to Gungor that were rather dramatic and they even state in their blog that a close friend told him, “I wouldn’t consider you a Christian anymore.” I can only imagine the backlash Beeching is receiving for once writing worship songs played in churches weekly and now is dealing with responses to “coming out.”

Oh friends, it makes me sad.

Sad to think of a woman being gay and hiding it from Christians while publishing worship songs. To think of her stuffing all her struggles to be acceptable in the eyes of the church. I’m not gonna comment on her being gay. That’s between her and God. The sad part is that now Christians will shun her or call her a smudge on their record. The real question is how will we handle ministering to Beeching now that she is gay? We’ll ignore it, shun it, and try to forget her and her music.

The church communities across the globe won’t try to love her or sit down over coffee and try to understand her story. They won’t seek to know what God’s telling her and if she needs any human help or friendship or support during what will be a tough time.

Gungor, I do appreciate your music. It’s impossible for the average person to sing, but it is beautiful. But that will be disregarded now that he’s saying he doesn’t know if he believes the flood happened. No one from the churches will stop and say.... “I can see how a child of the 21st century could have trouble imagining and believing in something so far out there.”

The sad part is that so many in the church have doubts and questions, but they’ll never come out and ask them for fear of being demolished and shunned for their disbelief. They’ll go talk of their “half faith” or “small faith” with anyone but “churchy” people.  I’m not going to comment on Gungor’s theology. That’s between him and God. But he’s human too. Figuring it out, just like us. Yes, it will probably mean cancelled shows and less albums. Our choices always have repercussions. But how many of those pastors or musicians will call Gungor and invite him for coffee and God-talk? Sadly, not many. How many friends will say, “It’s okay to think and question... as long as we are seeking God for the answer...”? Probably no one.

Robin Williams. The saddest story in this triad of sadness. A man who made everyone laugh died by suicide. Look around you when you’re next out and about. I am sure most have thought something suicidal or have thought of suicide at some point. The outward shell is hardly an indication of the pain inside. And yet, we make magazine covers with loud typography screaming “HANGED,” over the likeness of a man we called an entertainer. Not so entertained now, we judge.

Hook has always been a favorite movie of mine. One could go on for days naming films the genius actor made that will stick with us. He was great and he was human. To some, the human part is too much to take so we’ll judge him for being just like us.  Human, frail, weak, and and hurting. I’m not going to comment on the biblical viewpoint of suicide. God’s on his throne and is the only judge anyone needs.

So here’s my point. And it’s for the church or those that call themselves Christians. I’ve been in a place where I’ve dealt with sexual sin. I’m a 26-year-old single individual. Find me a single ANY age person past puberty that doesn’t struggle there, and we’ll announce the first asexual human. That right there is TMI for a lot of church people. But that puts me on the same level as Beeching.

I’ve had doubts about God, particularly in the area of healing. I know God can... but will he? I’ve seen good people who should have been healed and they died instead. So how do my doubts there, make me any different from Gungor doubting the flood happened? We’re both looking at God, doubting and questioning. We’re both human and asking questions.

I’ve been depressed and low. I’ve thought of cutting and I’ve imagined slitting my wrists. I have to wonder if Williams knew God and doubted or if he knew him not and was so lacking hope it seemed like the only way. Regardless. More people than you know have been to the edge of the abyss and have been alone and said nothing for fear of judgement.

There are people right beside you at work, play, events, school or church that have doubts, struggles and hopelessness. If you would look around and be open enough to human failures to not poke at those who have fallen, you would be able to help someone like any of these individuals that needs a friend. Can you show love to someone telling you they’re gay and not judge or care and just love them? Can you show grace and understanding to those with doubts? Can we show mercy and compassion to those who are hurting so much, in such pain and in such hopelessness that they would take their own life? Can we deal with such black abyss business as to get beside people that we deem icky when on the cyber-tabloids and slog through life’s darkness together?

I’m neither for, nor against any of these individuals actions. If you knew all the people around you that have fought depression, doubts or (over-publicized/-over-emphasized) “depravity,” you’d be amazed. If you’re honest enough, you’re probably in the same boat. I am.  

 (Photo Credit: funeralcall.com image).