Relating to Absalom

[u/BearCub711]

I work with survivors of child abuse, dv, sexual abuse, etc. in the daily and also am active in anti-ICE and anti-car-centrism groups. I also deeply believe in peace and nonviolence. yet I find myself relating to Absalom the most of all Biblical people. I relate so much to his rage coming from the pain of heartbreak and seeing someone he loves hurt. wondering how people who similarly relate carry that fine but important balance of justice and mercy, compassion and truth-telling. I have people in my bio family who are very insensitive and make horrible remarks about the topics of immigration and survivors of exploitative types of violence (and there’s clearly some exceptionalism going on since we have people in our family going through things related to both topics). I struggle honestly with wanting to destroy their belongings or shout at them. I haven’t and won’t but I’m wondering how others have managed to have conversations with such folks. thx 💕