Shunning

I have previously written about an incident in my own life which I won’t allude to in any detail again, but a scenario from a recent movie brought it all back to me.

In this particular “Hallmark” movie an Amish girl had “gone out into the world” and made a life for herself, and was preparing to marry what they would refer to as an “English” man. (Two words. Not Englishman). Their terminology for anyone who does not subscribe to the Amish culture and theology, and who lives anywhere other than in an Amish enclave.

If my readers are familiar with the Amish way of doing things, you are all too aware of what is referred to as “Shunning.” For anyone who isn’t familiar, shunning is the practice of separating one’s self from a family member or friend who has chosen to go their own way, and disavow the lifestyle which they once knew and held dear.

As the movie proceeds, and as the result of “Dinah’s” decision to leave her familiar surroundings, take a job in the English world, and marry a non-Amish man, her father and mother sever contact with her. However, (and I like this) the young lady’s mother experiences a great deal of grief, and regret, and longs to be reunited with her daughter. And though, “Mr. Lapp” holds out for a brief time, he, too, “comes around” to “Mrs. Lapp’s” way of thinking. As a result, mother and father show up at Dinah’s wedding, and her father willingly participates in the ceremony.

All this to say, it was refreshing to see the parents make the decision to go against the traditional, (and I think, non-sensible teachings of the church), and risk being shunned themselves; in doing what their hearts had called them to do.

There are any number of practices in any given church, sect or cult which fly in the face of logic and charity. 

Shunning is definitely one of them.

In recent years I have known the pain of being shunned several times. And sadly, each and every time this has occurred, the experience has come without any attempt of the other party to clarify or explain.

Jesus, Himself knew the pain of being shunned. After He made one especially controversial statement, numerous members of His outer circle abandoned Him. And among dozens of especially poignant reflections, the one which stands out for me is the question our Lord then posed to the Twelve.

“Will you also go away?”

(And at least at that singular moment, more man than God spoke).

The incredibly wrenching, recurring pain of losing someone from among those whom you hold nearest and dearest.

I’m glad the writer of Hebrews left us with that promise, and entreaty so founded upon our Savior’s earthly experiences…

“We have not a high priest who cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Let us come boldly to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy for our failures, and grace to help in the time of need.” (Heb. 4:15-16)

He walked this way before we ever did, and never fails to comfort us in our distress.

By William McDonald, PhD. (Mc)Donald's Daily Diary. Vol. 30. Copyright pending

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