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June 26, 2007Impasse to Action
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One of the great foilers of good intentions is "overwhelm-paralysis." The engulfing wave of global suffering can immobilize the most ardent leader. Gary Haugen, in Good News About Injustice, writes, "We feel like deer frozen by headlights . . . Instead of energizing us for action, the overwhelming injustice in our world actually makes us feel numb."
All of us, at one time or other, find ourselves here. When we do, it helps to learn from trailblazers who are forging ahead. One guiding light is Dr. Viji Cammauf - founder of Little Flock Children's Homes, an organization aspiring to reach orphans and widows worldwide.
Viji's overwhelm-paralysis hit after watching Bandit Queen. The film depicts the true story of a child-bride who endured savage abuse. For three days, Viji wept in despair. Until finally, she got up and asked herself, "What am I going to do about it?" At the time, she was minister of missions at First Covenant Church in Oakland, California. Her position provided a platform to rally like-minded supporters, and in 2005, Little Flock Children's Homes broke ground in Kondamangalam, India. To date, 10 cottages to house 100 children have been built. A dining hall, guest facility, and community center with library and computer lab are on the horizon. From impasse to action, Viji shares her insights:
1. Start Small. Taking a cue from one of her own role models, Amy Carmichael, Viji focuses on the importance of one child at a time. "When you hear about the millions that are homeless or orphaned, it seems like an overwhelming number that you cannot do anything about," says Viji. "But, if you start with one, that makes a big difference in the life of that one child."
It certainly makes a difference for Little Flock residents Kuosalya and her siblings Gayathri and Sanjay, who were otherwise destined for the streets after their mother's premature death. It is of profound significance for 11-year-old Kochila, who bears permanent reminders of the scorching scissors her mother pressed against her face.
2. Rely on God's Power. Early on, Viji learned human effort is not enough to change the world. As an idealistic teenager, she joined Gandhi's Freedom Fighters on a month-long journey across her native country. They marched through villages preaching social justice and met with prominent politicians.
Yet, even as a young pre-Christian, Viji says, "I realized we could not change India through the teachings of a human being. We needed something Higher than a human being. As marvelous as Gandhi and his teachings were, they were not working." Viji's confidence rests in knowing God's vibrant power is at work on our behalf.
3. Persevere. It is easy to become overwhelmed and discouraged by senseless obstacles to ministry endeavors. For over a year, Little Flock has waited for a permit to build a dining hall. The funding is there, but not the elusive government signature. When faced with such challenges, Viji says, "You keep moving in the direction God has given you. You don't give up. If God has given you promises, hold on to that, and persevere."
Leaders like Viji remind us that meaningful action begins with transforming our despair into imaginative solutions. It begins with the question, "What am I going to do about it?" Then, with finding the courage to take that first small step. What about you? When have you felt overwhelmed? What enables you to move from impasse to action?
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Comments
No matter what the task, what helps me move out from under the "overwhelm" cloud is by putting together an action plan that can lay out timelines for when I am to complete each action item.
When I can see how the bigger goal can be spread out into smaller pieces at regularly spaced intervals so that the job can be interwoven with my other priorities, I can focus on the little things, knowing that the big project will get done in its own time.
Posted By: Janna Rust | June 26, 2007 10:10 PM
Thank you for this exhortation...When faced with such challenges, Viji says,“You keep moving in the direction God has given you. You don’t give up. If God has given you promises, hold on to that, and persevere.”
My dad died 2 months ago. Those that have been there can tell you something like this can change one's focus and put you in a fog. Issues arise that surprise and even paralyze you. That has been my experience.
I have felt overwhelmed and numbed just as the author above mentioned.
What helpful discoveries I've made are to
1) allow myself time to process
2) sow seeds like the example above of starting small. Look for opportunities to do good deeds no matter if they are rote.
3) default to prayer - like relying on God's power above. When I felt paralyzed to act, I was still able to utter prayers.
4) read my way out. I believe God still inspires writers and the pages of books can encourage us and grant us helpful tools.
Posted By: Rosalie G. | June 26, 2007 10:56 PM
Your website was sent to me by a friend. Thank you and after ging through your site, I think your various sections like on leadership and women are helpful. Iam praying for a ministry to start but am not sure yet what. I have been praying for one and reading from your website is giving me some good ideas. Thank you also for the encouraging messages.I intend to surf more of your site.
Thank you very much and May God bless you
Janet
Posted By: Janet Lovai | June 27, 2007 8:35 PM
I can completely relate to the feeling of being overwhelmed and despairing after seeing up close the suffering of the world. I felt the same way as Viji after watching Hotel Rwanda and Blood Diamonds - and when I have traveled myself in the third world. Despair is a powerful emotion, and it is very easy to feel overwhelmed when our 24/7 news and media world presents us with EVERY crisis and tragedy at every opportunity. Viji's three insights are very helpful to move past unhelpful responses to action and empowerment.
Posted By: Susan | July 6, 2007 12:21 PM
Thank you so much for this article and all your comments. It was comforting for me; will help me (will pobably link this to my blog). You are all inspiring.
ALyson
LID 01/27/06
Adoption Journey www.alyzabethan.blogspot.com
Where Children Come First www.fumch.org
Posted By: Alyson | July 14, 2007 6:42 AM
Whenever I am overwhelmed, I remind myself that what God brought me to, He'll see me through as inch by inch, yard by yard, what seems impossible is only hard.
Posted By: Julie Albin | July 31, 2007 12:34 AM
I read somewhere that people in this part of the world work for money to get and give permissions. I am an Indian and I feel that if we are doing gods work there is no one and nothing that can stand in its way if it is HIS will.
Todate i have never paid any money for any permission to any official in my country. If u need help you can get in touch with me and i will put you on to the right people and will also give you free advice.
I believe that if we believe we are not going to do anything illeagal then we will never be in a position to do anything that goes against the principals of Jesus.
Posted By: varsha | October 26, 2007 5:37 AM
thank you
Posted By: papinopRhyday | July 2, 2011 8:30 AM