There is nothing good about oppression. One pays a harsh cost when subject to prolonged control, cruel or unjust treatment. Even as I think of oppression, I experience a fresh mixture of fear, anger, and frustration.
These emotions erupt when I witness how it plays out in the lives of others. Even when I am powerless, I want to step in and do something, anything to break the cycle. When I feel that I am being oppressed, a knot of anger and fight grows. If I do not address the source, the fight within me begins to dominate everything else.
As I reflect on a recent surge of emotions, I realize that I am a source of oppression. As I let fear and uncertainty dominate my life, Evil is in control. When I let my ego take center stage, there is a natural bias to treat others unjustly which in turn is unjust to the soul I am responsible for. There is a destructive cycle which emerges to bind my heart, mind, and action. As I fight for freedom, I am fighting with myself.
Two reminders form a Life lesson in the fight against oppression.
Accepting forgiveness is rarely easy. Forgiving myself is one of the greatest challenges I face, because I know I do not deserve forgiveness. Divinity reminds me that I am forgiven, even before I make the mistake, if I am willing to accept forgiveness. One of the kindest acts I can take is to embrace the love, care, and kindness offered by others and in turn offer this to my heart and soul.
Living in and for community. In looking outwards, in care and service to others, I find myself breaking free from oppression’s bonds. A world defined by one’s singular happiness, ego, and status will strengthen the bonds of oppression. Reaching for a world defined by compassion, acceptance, and inclusion is a step in breaking free and building a better community.
We have an example; Divinity “rescued Israel from Egypt’s oppression, His love never quits.” (Psalm 136.11) Love always trumps oppression.
