How Far Should One Go In Seeking Justice? Would You Go Further for Yourself Than You Would for a Friend or Another Person?
Described in the above copied "GoFundMe" link, arising out of my outspoken advocacy and support for my highly respected supervisor the past two years, Career Chaplain, Mark Deckinga, age 66, who was very unjustly, without due process or forenotice, terminated from his Spiritual Care Manager position at Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital, on May 7, I've asked this question often in the last few weeks.
Doing so, the analogy of a Basketball Referee came to mind, not surprisingly in the midst of the NBA finals. By definition: "The referee or basketball judge is the highest authority figure in the game, in charge of making decisions to ensure compliance with the rules and to preserve the physical integrity of the players." To accomplish this key function, a Referee utilizes one primary tool, a "Whistle", which he blows loudly, and at times, often, seeking to preserve "the integrity of the game".
A Referee may also, at times, be required to physically "put himself between a player who intends harm and injury to another player", so doing setting aside his personal safety.
After reading the narrative described in the GFM link copied above, including mention of the fact that, within one month of Mark's termination, on June 4, I, too, was terminated from my position as a PRN Chaplain working for Trinity Health Grand Haven Hospital, in retaliation for my advocacy efforts, I invite your thoughts and comments regarding the question posed: "How Far Should One Go Seeking Justice?"
When recently asked if I would do it again, my answer is emphatically, "YES!"
Stated on the "GoFundMe" page, even a small donation is greatly appreciated and encouraging in seeking justice and support for Mark, as is forwarding this message to increase awareness and secure support from others.
Thank You!
Dan
Here's a Related story in the Bible you might consider:
The Parable of the Persistent Widow - Luke 18:1-8
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’
4 “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”
6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”