Smiles on the Face, Death in the Heart

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Dear Inner Circle,

So much heartache and confusion comes because we listen with our ears instead of our eyes. Predatory people have a way of using language, not to communicate but to paralyse. When I was a chaplain at Parramatta prison, I was struck by how often I heard the phrase, “Now see what you made me do!” I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve met kids and adults who were carrying crippling burdens of guilt for dreadful acts that they never committed. Predatory behaviour usually comes with its own propaganda and if you hear it often enough, it can restrict the ability to see. Last night a young fellow told me how his life had collapsed into a dark hole from which there seemed to be no escape. Several times he mentioned that he’d come from good circumstances and that his recent behaviour was unintelligible even to himself. I was interested to hear of the “good circumstances” from which he came and to my surprise the young man began describing a life of unspeakable abuse. It became clearer that his abuse always came with the kind of lectures that said, “Nobody cares for you except me” or “everyone is out to destroy you and all you have is me”.

An abuser can disguise themselves in many ways but one of the most effective ways is as a “crusader”. If you know history you’ll know that term was used to cover murder and robbery on a grand scale, all in the name of God. If I had my way I’d wire up every home, every church and every workplace so that a siren sounded whenever “crusader speech” began. There would be some homes, churches and workplaces where my siren would render people into blessed deafness. I’m sure many abusers believe their own propaganda. There was a time when the church controlled people by threatening fear of hell and while most today don’t buy it, they’re happy for politicians to remind them of the dangers – from which only they can offer protection. My sirens would drown out most political speeches. I’ve met so many who speak for the “downtrodden” who are just building reputations and in some cases, fortunes, while caring nothing about the downtrodden. Beware of crusaders everywhere. When my daughter was young and wondering which boys she could trust, I would say to her, “Turn off the volume switch. Don’t tell me what he says, tell me what he does.” The young man I spent time with last night has a long and rough road ahead, but for the first time, he’s seeing rather than hearing.[vc_row columns_on_tablet=”keep” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″][vc_column h_text_align=”left” h_text_align_mobile=”left” v_align=”v-align-middle” use_background=”” width=”1/1″][tm_image image_id=”864″ link_image=”none” textarea_html_bkg_color=”#ffffff” caption_type=””][/tm_image][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row columns_on_tablet=”keep” padding_top=”50″ padding_bottom=”50″][vc_column h_text_align=”left” h_text_align_mobile=”left” v_align=”v-align-middle” use_background=”” width=”1/1″][tm_textblock textarea_html_bkg_color=”#ffffff”]Thanks to so many who have supported our Christmas Appeal or our Donate a Plate Appeal. The response to Donate a Plate has been so strong that we will provide many extra meals this year including community lunches on Boxing Day and throughout that difficult Christmas to New Year period. Each year most helping agencies throw a party for people in need and then shut down for a week or two. Early January is often the toughest time of year for many people who are struggling. I’m pleased to inform you that Wayside stays open 365 days a year and our services run late into the evening on a daily basis. I take this opportunity to thank our extraordinary staff and volunteers who work on public holidays and late into the night. Everyone is looking for Santa on a sleigh but the magic happens right here and embodied in Wayside staff and volunteers. They are simply awesome.

A ball was had last week when I took three granddaughters with me to Brisbane to visit their older sister who now lives in that part of the world. Without Grandma with us to act as a balance, we did everything we could think of in that 48 hours. I spent money like I was loaded and convinced my girls, once again, that their Grandfather is one of the richest men in the world. My interview with Richard Fidler was also fun. You can hear it here.

So much to be thankful for, not least that you are in this inner circle,

Graham

Rev Graham Long
Pastor & CEO
Wayside Chapel