A woman told me her story today; how she was divorced a year ago from a seminary student and that no matter how she tries to explain her experience of their marriage – and it’s failing – he is the only one who speaks truth. Because he’s in seminary (and assumedly in the know) his “truth” is the winning version of the story. She tries to remain in the church but carries a burden of both shame and contempt that is nearly unbearable. And the church only adds to her burden as it “sides” with her husband and asks her to remain silent and just endure.
We talked about what it would mean for her to acknowledge her own experience and story as “truth” that is indisputable, that no one could take from her – no matter how well trained, learned, or experienced. We talked about what it meant for women to continue speaking the truth no matter what – knowing that harm comes in silence just as it comes in speaking. And we talked about hope – hope for women, hope for the church…
Muriel Rukeyser said, “What would happen if one woman told the truth about her life? The world would split open.” What if that splitting open was one that ushered women into life and not more death? What if that splitting open didn’t carry with it the baggage and brutality of the harm that will come when she does speak truth? What if the world splitting open was a beautiful, powerful way to see God revealed more clearly and more powerfully than ever before because veils have been lifted, blinders removed, and both sin and glory revealed? That day is not yet here.
There are glimpses though. The beauty in this woman’s tears as she told me what was “true” – might be enough for today. And I hope for so much more.
May the truth, indeed, set us free.
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