The Overwhelming

My "Arts in the Cultural Context" class is going to watch the Theatre Department's Production of "The Overwhelming" together on Wednesday, so our assignment for this week is to read the script. The book is on reserve in the arts library, so I checked out the book and snuggled in a cozy corner of the library to read it.

2 hours later I staggered out of the library in a daze. I felt like I had taken a dive into the story and was now washed up, sputtering on the shore. The story is intense. It took me to Rwanda back into the time right before the massive genocide. An American family enters the setting with the idea that they can make a difference. They believe that they have the power to stop injustice and save the innocent people from death. They soon realize that they are powerless to stop the inevitable killing, and their hopes for justice are dashed.

As I walked home alone in the dark, my mind whirled. The anguish of the thousands of helpless innocent people burdened my heart. So many people in pain, yet those who want to help are powerless to save them. People want to make a difference and alleviate the pain, but can one person really make a difference? The characters in "The Overwhelming" thought that they could, but they all failed. None of them were able to save anyone.

My heart hurts for those in pain. I yearn to run to them and help them. But can one person really make a difference? Or will I be forced to watch them, powerless to help them, as they suffer?


Dear God,

I'm overwhelmed. My heart hurts so much for the people in pain. I feel so much for them that I'm hurting too. I feel so alone and helpless. God, please comfort me. I need to feel Your arms around me. You know the pain and loneliness that I'm feeling. I believe that You have everything in the palm of your hand. Nothing can happen unless you lovingly allow it to happen. God, please comfort me and continue to prepare me for the work that you have for me to do someday. Please keep training me and breaking me so that I rely on You and nothing else. I love you.

Love,
Me