We have seen another side to television journalists since the beginning of the Ukraine war. Normally in well-appointed studios and stylishly dressed we have seen them trail through rubble often in military style kit. In the past there have been journalists wounded or killed as they have tried in the midst of conflict to keep us informed and perhaps to bring greater understanding.
I was concerned, though, when I saw that Fergal Keane was in Ukraine in the beginning of the troubles. The last I had heard he had taken time off as he struggled to cope with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the result of his exposure to war in various parts of the world. His book All Of These People tells of the horrific conditions he experienced in Rwanda which have played on his mind as powerful flash-backs. So what was he doing in Ukraine?
Fergal Keane: Living with PTSD, a documentary screened last night (9 May 2022) on BBC 2 gave us some insight. He described his ‘addiction’ to the tragic areas of the world, his compulsion to be there, and the irresistible impulse to make them known to the rest of the world. It’s not an enticing prospect for those of us who appreciate their comfort zone thank you very much and are happiest making pronouncements from the comfort of our armchairs. But Fergal was brave enough to open himself up and show us some of the darkness within.
Sadly it is this darkness that led to an alcohol problem which seems now to behind him. But the flash-backs remain which can come in disturbing dreams or even in the course of every-day tasks. Most of us know the effect of past events weighing heavily on our inner being but PTSD is serious mental disturbance which can often have physical consequences.
The documentary ended on a note of hope. Fergal quotes a Van Morrison song: ‘Baby, ain't it all worthwhile when the healing has begun?’ A voice off camera asks: ‘Do you believe the healing has begun?’ With a genuine smile Fergal says ‘Yes.’ Specialised counselling has helped but more than anything else has been the encouragement received from contact with other PTSD sufferers. His final words are to others like him who need to know that there are others out there who understand and keeping company with them healing can begin.
Faith is never mentioned. I’m not sure where Fergal stands in relation to Christianity these days. But I would be interested to know how he responds to a Suffering Saviour, particularly with regard to the inner turmoil that Jesus experienced. This was stirred by the sight of the suffering around Him. He had an extreme reaction as He stood at the tomb of Lazarus. In Gethsemene His whole inner life threatened to come apart completely. The Cross brought not only physical torture but spiritual dereliction.
Jesus knew traumatic stress and with the Ascension we are soon to observe in the Christian Year we can say that this is now part of the Godhead. Jesus has taken this into the very being of God. This assures us of God’s presence in the worst of inner turmoil and assures us of a way through. This may not be fully realised in the brokenness of this world but having a Divine Companion who empathises has made a difference to many bruised and battered souls. And this is leading to the transformed existence that is promised in Christ. The traumatised Jesus of Good Friday was presented to the world on Easter morning renewed and resurrected as God’s will for the whole humankind.
The night before he was crucified Jesus shared this promise with His friends:
‘And if I go to prepare a place for you I will come back and take you to be with me so that you also may be where I am.’ (John 14: 3)
This is when the healing begun on the Cross will be complete in resurrection power.
