People hurt. The problem that needs an answer.

A few months back I wrote, “People matter. The answer to the question.” I believe that statement whole heartedly and yet when you involve your heart in people, you better be prepared to get stomped on at times.

Today I wanted to write, “People hurt. The problem that needs an answer.”

I suck at English grammar. I wish I studied it better in school. I failed my first year of Greek because I was so bad in English. I don’t understand the rules. When I say, “People hurt.” I want it to be a play on usage. I don’t know if it’s that I want it to be both passive and active or what, but when you read it, it can say, “People are in a state of pain,” or it can say, “People can cause pain to others.” Somebody with grammatical expertise, tell me what it is called in both usages. Please.

Sometimes I think people hurt others because they are hurting. It’s not an excuse, but a reality. Like a dog that bites the hand of the person trying to dress its wounds.

But we are not dogs and we should know better to welcome the comfort of others. Do you ever wonder why people are so afraid of finding the source of pain? I have been in plenty of counseling over the years and it still surprises me how many people cast a negative eye on therapy. People, if your relationships are broken, get help. If you can’t figure out why you are stuck in a rut, get help. Not everyone was equipped, growing up, with the tools to deal with all of life’s situations. We can all use some outside help now and then.

I’m tired of getting my hand bitten by individuals that hurt. My heart bears the scars of many a wounded soul and I fear my scars will calcify my heart toward injured people. “Lord, keep my heart soft.”

I am in relationship with people because they matter. Sometimes it gets a little prickly and even sore. But I believe people need people to heal. And I believe people need God to heal. And the only way I know to bring both of these necessary elements together is to bring God’s presence in us to the table. It takes vulnerability and risk and occasionally pain, but I believe that when God and humanity come together in the context of brokenness, something divine takes place. Healing. It’s the answer to the problem. We all need healing. I just wish more people realized that they needed it. Maybe if we were more open about our own healing, it might encourage others to seek the help they need. We are not the cure, but we can all be part of the process.

I hurt right now, but it’s ok. God is healing the wound. I just don’t want my hurt to hurt others in the process.