Just Shake It Off

I refuse to watch The Passion of the Christ. That kind of thing really effects me, human suffering, pain, torture, I can't handle it, even if it is the reality, even if it is what my Savior did for me. The other day I was scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed and I came across a picture of a Nepalese Christian pastor being burned at the stake for his faith. The look of intense pain and anguish as his legs are being burned off is forever etched into my brain whether I like it or not. Now, when I say these things effect me so much I can't bare to see it, I am not saying I am indifferent. I UNDERSTAND, I KNOW, what Jesus did for me on the cross, I do not need a movie to remind me. I have compassion, I am compelled to pray for the persecuted believers all over the world, I don't need to see pictures to remind me. I am not indifferent, I care so much it hurts. 

Working in the red light district of Tijuana, Mexico is another thing. I have heard the deportation stories, the stories of loss, violence, heartache, pain. I am faced with them every time we step into the park to do Zone Kids, every time we go to La Roca and visit with the people, every time we go to Zona Norte and talk with the people in the streets there. There is intense loss and heartache all around us. Some of the kids in my group at Zone Kids are neglected and abused, they have endured and seen things they never should at such young ages. We see so many women working in prostitution, the amount is staggering, and that is just in Tijuana. 
We could all list the pain we see daily, but it would take too long. We live in a broken world. It is our reality. 
After ministry, we often pray that we would not carry anything unnecessary back home with us, the burdens and sadness are not ours to bear. 
You might be thinking, wait Ellie, the Bible says, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." Yes! Do that! But Jesus also says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” So, yes, have compassion! But lay those burdens at the foot of the cross, do not carry them around. Intercede in prayer for people who are hurting. I was once convicted, if I prayed for the kids I work with as much as I worry about them what a difference that would make. Turn that anxiety and worry into fervent prayer. Jesus already has the victory over sin, death, and the power of the Devil. I am compelled to stop acting like sin has won, we need to walk in the Light, in victory. Romans chapter 12 is great and I leave you with this, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Amen.