“ If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? ”
Can you “hear” the frustration in Jesus’ voice? He is speaking to the Jews who had for too long been tricked by believing the lies that appealed to their pride and ego. They were no longer capable of understanding and recognizing truth when Jesus spoke it.
I’m speaking as a person who has mental health challenges. I know many of you also live with such challenges. And—most probably—the rest of you who read here will know someone who fits this description as well.
It could be said that we’re not unlike Jesus in some ways. We’re different like he was different—not like regular people. Frequently not receiving the same respect as others do. And so, what we say is often suspect.
Too often our truth is not heard, not taken seriously. We’re ignored, especially when it matters most.
Is it thought that we are not able to think like others do, unable to see reality? That what we say is untrustworthy?
But doesn’t lack of truth come just as easily from the mouths of mentally healthy individuals?
Too often not heard. Too often not believed. This is the way it is for many of us. It’s one of the greatest forms of stigma, taking away our self-respect and making us feel we’re less of a person.
When you are badly treated, where can you go for justice? No one would believe you. You have no recourse. You’re saddled with pain and feelings of helplessness.
Jesus understands. He too felt the frustration. Like you, he too asked, “If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me?”
When you think about how things were for our Lord and Savior, you don’t feel so alone, do you?
marja
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