Thursday; March 20

Even though my sister was born on this date, outside of our family, she is not the most famous person to have a March 20th birthday. There are several people who celebrated birthdays on this day, one of the most influential in modern times is Fred Rogers. Mr. Rogers wasn’t dynamic; but his calming, caring nature influenced a lot of people. One of my favorite quotes from him states, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”. As I thought about this, I started reflecting on many of the crisis scenes I have seen and, while there is typically a focus on victims in a crisis, if you look deeper, probably in the background, you’ll see helpers. You will see people who are willing to give of themselves – people who are willing to exchange their peace to reduce other people’s crisis. These helpers make life livable!

As I thought about this statement, I was reminded that, as helpers, we are going to be surrounded by people who are afraid. We may be driven by overcoming crisis and chaos, but there are a lot of people who are devastated by it. So, as we ride in to save someone from the dangers, let’s not forget to help them deal with their fears. We may have been in situations dozens of times, but for many victims, this is their first exposure to it at this level. When we see them struggling as they fear that their world is falling apart around them, let’s help them.

The Apostle Paul reminded the early Christians, “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2). Not only did Jesus save us, He also provided us the calming peace that allows us to overcome whatever impacts us. No, we can’t do what Jesus did; but we might be able to do it the way He did it. Not only did He rescue us, He also reassured us. That sounds like a great way to be a helper.

Think About It!

Popular posts from this blog

Tuesday; November 29

The biblical story of the Good Samaritan has changed our world. Notice I didn’t say that it had change religion or even Christianity, it has influenced the world. There are very few people who don’t know the moral of Jesus’ parable about the Good Samaritan. In fact, the phrase has become a common description of everyday people doing good to their neighbors. While Jesus’ parable from Luke 10 shares several spiritual lessons, one of the most practical is that good can be done by anyone. You don’t have to be a church official to do good, it is not only possible for each one of us to help, it is required of all of us. If a Samaritan can be good, so can we! After presenting the parable, Jesus asked the man who had originally asked the question about being a good neighbor which character in the story was a good neighbor, “… he said, ‘The one who showed mercy toward him.’” at which point, the discussion from theoretical to personal, “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do the same.’” (Luke...
Read more

Thursday; January 12

The other day I was watching a television show that used a rather common term applied to overcoming challenges. When organizations experience unexpected setbacks – especially when they lose key people – they rely upon the concept of “Next Man Up”. In essence, when our starters (or stars) go down, effective organizations rely upon their next levels to step into the vacancy. While this is an effective response, have we given much thought as to how we prepare to be the “next people up”? First, we must know our job. Even when we aren’t the primary players, we need to be preparing ourselves to be ready when we get the opportunity to shine. Second, we must do our best when we get the chance. Knowledge is important but what turns potential into talent is effort. Yet, maybe the most underappreciated aspect of this concept is a willingness avoid excuse-making and whining about the unfairness of our situation. When we complain about the circumstances that caused the need for replacements...
Read more

Wednesday; April 2

What is the difference between cynicism and skepticism? On the surface, they seem to be synonymous; but I believe there is a fundamental difference between them. Skepticism is looking at something to determine the truth. It is a defense mechanism to gullibility. It is openly and honestly considering the information and determining if it is accurate or useful. In a sense, being skeptical can be healthy and can keep us out of trouble. On the other hand, cynicism is distrusting just about everything. It is starting from the perspective that everyone is out to deceive us. It isn’t seeing the glass as half full or half empty – it is believing that someone is trying to steal our glass from us! Cynicism limits the relationships we can have and will cast a darkness on the world – whether it deserves it or not. I believe there is value in seeking the truth, but let’s be careful that we don’t convince ourselves everyone is out to get us. When we buy into that belief, we won’t be able t...
Read more