Are We Paying Attention?

There is a reported story in which President Franklin Delano Roosevelt experienced the feeling that no one was paying attention to him. Receiving guest as presidents often do, he grew tired of the mundane routine and politely began repeating the phrase, “I murdered my grandmother this morning.” No guest responded to his statement in shock.  Rather, they responded with comments like “Keep up the good work, Sir” or “God bless you, Mr. President.”

We can all get so caught up in our own lives that we don’t even notice the world around us, but there are people everywhere who are hurting. Storms occur in everyone’s lives. Though the turmoil takes different shapes and forms no one is immune. Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed with the needs of others. Then I remember Mother Teresa’s words, “I never look at the masses as my responsibility.  I look at the individual. I can love only one person at a time. I can feed only one person at a time. Just one, one, one.”

Christian’s Lending a Helping Hand

Recently, a friend shared the sermon notes from his church in Rome, Georgia. The minister asked, “How can we know when someone is hurting or sick unless we are intimately connected with each other?” Coming from generations of caring Christians, I am very blessed and have many family members who are deeply connected with me. In addition, I have so many dear friends who have given me countless hours of love. But many do not have that background of solid Christian structure? I believe it is my responsibility as a Christian to keep intimate connections with others and make the ties with those who do not have a strong Christian family to help.

Pray and Follow Through

James 5: 13-16 discusses the power of prayer when a friend is hurting, sick, or sinned. Some share their woes through media. It is not a quick stroll through Facebook clicking a “like button” or typing the words “praying” that get the job done. Yes! I do this too, but is that all I do? Sadly, sometimes. I should take action; I should be texting a private message, sending a card, or dialing the number. Some hurt quietly. 

If you are the one who hurts, is sick, and has sinned, share within your circle of friends. If not, Satan may prey on you during the darkest or loneliest moments. It is during these storms that our Christian sister and brotherhood grows stronger.

The shared sermon from my friend went on to state some qualities of an unhealthy church: judgement on others, slow disconnects, saying things we don’t mean, or making praying promises that we don’t keep. I think it’s no wonder churches are dying; many times, we do not take care of each other.

Looking Outside Our Circle

While keeping our existing, intimate relationships, we should find one or two who need our commitment to pray for them. Spend some time asking God who needs you. Send a text or write a card. Ask that person how you can pray for them. Then do it!

 Mother Teresa also said, “Nothing makes you happier than when you really reach out in mercy to someone who is badly hurt.”  

My mom’s friend Mrs. Arp once shared a story with me that has helped me on occasion. When her husband had Alzheimer’s, she had been feeling down because he was getting worse daily. She said one morning she was moping around, thinking how bad things were and thought, “Kathryn’s {my mom} cancer is getting worse. I am going out today and buy her a new house coat.” She shared that the joy on Mom’s face when she gave it to her was equal to the blessing she received from giving it.

Care does not have to cost money, but its return is tenfold. Give of yourself to someone each and every day. “Just one, one, one.”