Not Breaking the Bruised Reeds

Today I was reading my devotional from Bread for the Journey by Henri J.M. Nouwen.  And I thought I'd pass it along to you because it is extremely relevant for ministering to those who are imprisoned.


It's the March 17 reading entitled:
"Not Breaking the Bruised Reeds."

      Some of us tend to do away with things that are slightly damaged.  Instead of repairing them we say, "Well, I don't have time to fix it, I might as well throw it in the garbage can and buy a new one."  Often we also treat people this way.  We say, "Well, he has a problem with drinking; well, she is quite depressed; well, they have mismanaged their business ... we'd better not take the risk of getting involved with them."  When we dismiss people out of hand because of their apparent woundedness, we stunt their lives by ignoring their gifts, which are often buried in their wounds.  
     We all are bruised reeds, whether our bruises are visible or not.  The compassionate life is the life in which we believe that strength is hidden in weakness and that true community is a fellowship of the weak.


The notion of bruised reeds is based on Isaiah's Servant Song in the 42nd chapter ....

Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his teaching the islands will put their hope.  (Isaiah 42:1-4 TNIV)

At New Life Prison Church, we are forming a community of bruised reeds by the power of the Holy Spirit.  We believe that Christ restores his bruised reeds, providing promise & hope.  May the New Life Prison Church become a fruitful field of bruised reeds ready to serve God.