Sometimes You Can't Do Anything

"I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented."

~ Elie Wiesel

A new Facebook friend of mine recently posted this quote on her timeline, and I like the quote, I really do. I agree with it. Where we see suffering and pain or injustice, we must speak up and out.

But what about the times when you're burnt out, whipped, beyond tired and you can't seem to do anything?

We must allow for these times in our lives. We must not beat ourselves up if there are days, even weeks when we are unable to be the hero, the outspoken one. There are many days when it is hard to get out of bed; we are physically, mentally, or emotionally spent - perhaps all three.

And sometimes we get the saviour complex, thinking that we must revolt against every single injustice, or that we must fix every disturbing situation or disturbed person out there. But what good will we be, how quickly will we be burnt out, if we don't take care of ourselves first?

Sometimes we must "go into hiding," where it is just us, or for those who believe in the Divine, us and the Divine. In this place, no words need to be said, no speeches need to be given, no crusade needs to be fought.

There will again come a day when you can take up the cause, but sometimes you can't do anything.

Mark Andrew Nouwen