Just then some men came, carrying a paralyzed man on a bed. They were trying to bring him in and lay him before Jesus; but finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the middle of the crowd in front of Jesus. (Luke 5:18-19)
“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.” (Fred Rogers)
Have you found Mr. Rogers’ mother’s observation to be true? Will you always find people who are helping?
During the recent news coverage of Hurricane Helene, I saw images and stories of neighbors helping neighbors evacuate. In the aftermath, neighbors and strangers alike went into the destruction, searching for survivors and bringing water and food. Yes, helpers.
In disasters and war zones all over the world we see people combing through wreckage, bringing in food and water, and digging into their own pockets to offer help in rebuilding. Yes, helpers.
Closer to home, while grocery shopping last week, I saw a woman struggling to reach an item on an upper shelf and the person standing nearby reached up to get it for her. Yes, helpers.
For sure, the world is full of those who do not help. There has been looting in Asheville. Politicians and pundits have spread lies about the response to Helene for their own purposes. And not everyone in the grocery store is necessarily friendly.
But even still, from ancient times right down to today, you will always find people who are helping. Our Christian call is to be the helpers and imagine a world where everyone gets the help they need. Yes, helpers!
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