Thursday 10th November 2022

The LORD secures justice for the oppressed,
gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets captives free.

A few years ago, I felt trapped in a job and was constantly anxious and feeling victimised by senior professors and co workers. It had reached to a level, I would sit in the parking lot, giving myself pep talks on why I deserved to be there and walk in with confidence which fizzled out at first sight of anyone senior. I finally could not tolerate the stress and demanded time off so I could rethink my profession and the stressors along!

While I of course went back and finished with my tenure and left the place with nothing but bitterness and disgust, I also learnt that God doesnt come to save you, just cause YOU feel you are the victim! He doesnt magically give you wings to fly away sticky situations or the courage to call out the bullcrap that is happening to you!

I did pray alot during those few days I sat home and finally did everything I loved – took dance lessons, watched a comedy stand up live, traveled by bike across the mountains and boy I realised I cannot keep waiting for God to swoop me in His arms as the oppressed child. All the self loathing and gossip was no good – I was always free from it, but in my head I was under chains and rules! It took me an entire year later to realise that I was entitled to my opinion and was also legally allowed to voice it too! While I the stood up to my bullies and ensured they knew I was on to them and would demand my holiday leave as per roster and point out fallacies in events – I was being less of a victim and more of myself!

Today the psalm reminds me of all His promises but some seem hard to digest! I still see people suffering – good people, kind people starve and oppressed people lose more of their worth and life! It is hard to believe that in an age of War, terorism, hate,crime – God is there waiting to help. While elected officials themselves are upto no good. Then I remember , we cannot keep whining about being oppressed or hungry- we work, we learn, we ask and grow!

I know it is easy for me to sit behind a computer and type this all, buut as a minority faith holder in my country- I know my place is always at risk! I have to stand up and fight to be seen, as a first generation doctor – I have no ready made links and connections with others, I have to study earn it with my merit! As a person brought up on ideals of being honest and hardworking, I do not give up until I have done my best ever.

So with the Lord, He is wanting us to pick at the faith we have in Him for courage and hope and stand up to the oppression and the hunger! Find out a way through education and justice, and when someone on earth tells me how can I stand up for the dignity of life cause I am an obgyn and its my catholic indoctrination — I walk to every corner and talk about it! Speak my faith and love for the birth of love through all media I can – cause my Lord is with me!! He gave me the courage to set those captive and unheard of to speak!!!

Today let us do our bit as Christians to speak for someone and be kind! The Lord will be setting us free! Our faith does not end at the Sunday mass or lighting the advent candles but should stem from that and pick a purpose this advent to work on and prepare for the coming of the Lord ….

PRAYER:

I pray to you Lord for courage and faith

Help me be your guide to people who need you the most!!

AMEN

About the Author

Hello! I’m Dr Analise Maria D’ Mello, (MBBS, MS obgyn, DNB) from the beautiful state of Goa in India. I was born and raised in a Roman Catholic family, learning my prayers, catechism and Catholic values from my parents and grandmothers. I am currently practicing as an obstetrician and gynecologist for 3 years since my residency. I often speak on anti-abortion to college students and married couples, and counsel distressed pregnant women with appropriate medical advice. I am part of the St Luke's Medical Guild of Catholic Doctors in my state providing services in prisons, and Lenten and advent retreats for medical professionals and their families.

Author Archive Page

12 Comments

  1. Thank you for your reflection!
    Especially for your story on overcoming adversity.
    I live in the State of Michigan, USA and the most radical pro abortion proposal passed yesterday. Pray for us as our country denies the dignity of life in the womb!

  2. Thank you for the words of encouragement. Paul wrote so many uplifting letters to give the early Christians strength, guidance and determination to march on against all odds. We appreciate your reflections on real life challenges. Keep up the good work of our Catholic faith. Your prayers are always heard by our heavenly Father. Peace my sister.

  3. Thank you Analise. I’m always waiting for God to swoop in and take care of me, carry me. I couldn’t be in life without that faith. His “swooping in” is often very different than how I think it should look. Your reflection also inspires me to be more open to spreading the word of God.

  4. Thank you Analise, for your courage and witness against Catholic hostility where you live. Hostility towards Christian values has been increasing in America too, with government officials, against all those who are pro-life, and filtering down in the public schools with indoctrination with the war on gender and race ideologies. I’m so grateful to God for people like you who are in a position to stand up for Christ for the sake of your vulnerable patients. When we get persecuted, Satan wants us to become a victim. But God wants us to become a victor! We all must stand strong, wherever we are, whatever we are facing. May God be with you sister, you are in my prayers.

  5. God bless you, Analise. What great spiritual courage you must have to profess the faith in your field of work where the unborn and those who defend them are under great attack. Your posts help build up my own courage. Thank you.

  6. Thank you, Analise for your liberating honesty. I went through a very bad patch years ago, and once called out in desperation, “Hello! Is anyone up there listening?”. I was reprimanded and told it was very wrong but it was a prayer from my heart. And in time God did sort it out. I don’t think He gets angry when we call in anguish. Maybe better than pretending we are full of faith when it’s only a mustard seed. Honesty is something God can work with.

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