“I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart. All my longings lie open before you, Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you. My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes.” Psalms 38:8-10

Screaming is usually understood as a long, loud, piercing cry or cries expressing excitement, great emotion, or pain. A scream usually comes as a result of unforeseen and agonizing circumstances for example the sudden death of a loved one. The emotion can also derive from pleasant circumstances such as when a student receives a communication that despite the odds and her fears, she passed the examination with flying colours.

However, there is a silent scream; the quiet feeling of alienation inside many people. Some people are isolated and stigmatized by others who are guided by myths, ignorance and prejudice.  Such people’s afflictions and longings are so deep that they can only groan; they let out a sigh, a silent scream like a swelling balloon full of hot air, threatening to burst any second, if the source of heat is not removed. As Mother Teresa said, “The most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved.”

Even if some issues that lend to discrimination are in public glare, making those people more prone to prejudice, everybody has a unique problem, which may not be conspicuous to others, but which nevertheless also makes them feel alienated from others. They try to act normal, while inside they are crying out in pain, fearing that their imperfections will be discovered. “Every man has his secret sorrows which the world knows not; and often times we call a man cold when he is only sad.”  H.W. Longfellow

No matter whether our sorrows are public or private, we should not be discouraged by the world. In addition, we should be kind to ourselves and accept our imperfections without feeling inferior to anyone. We should be strong and courageous, living in faith that God has great plans for each one of us.  As Isaiah 40:27-31 says, our situation is not hidden from the Lord, and the justice due to us has not escaped the notice of God. His understanding is unfathomable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might, He increases power.

Those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.Their silent screams will be transformed into deep joy of the Lord.

In which ways are you planning to reach out to those afflicted by isolation?

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The most violent thing in society is ignorance. Emma Goldman

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