Crying for Women and Girls in Afghanistan
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. ”
My heart is breaking while watching the news and hearing how the Taliban continues to take over city-after-city in Afghanistan. There is much injustice to go around. All the people who helped the US military are in danger of being killed. Those who survive will suffer the indignities of being under the control of an abusive power structure. The Taliban’s renewed power is especially detrimental to women.
Many Afghan women in their late 20’s and younger do not remember when they were under Taliban rule. First, imagine being promised education and freedom, only to have it stripped away. Next, you are forced to be covered, head to toe, with the fear of being taken by the first Taliban man to enter your city and forced to marry, be sexually abused, and forced to bear his children. It is too unimaginable to contemplate with Christian empathy without breaking into tears.
This world can be a horrible place, with no easy answers or happy endings. Continuing an unachievable war for another 20 years is unconscionable. Walking away and having to witness the brutality and murder is also destructive. Then, add the continued strengthening of the Taliban as a global threat increases the despair. In overwhelming situations, all we can do is hand the problem over to God.
Today, pray for our world. Especially, pray for the Afghan women and girls at horrible risk of death or forms of abuse and degradation. The entire situation reminds us that no matter how enlightened we may seem at any given moment, humans cannot overcome our unethical power. Our God remains the only hope for lasting peace, love, and respectful care. In overwhelming moments of societal despair, thank goodness we have somewhere to turn beyond ourselves.
