Tuesday, May 06, 2008

  • i feel like whining (or galatians 6:2)

    i like how crowder on one of their latest cds had a title then in () had another title.  so i'm going with that philosophy today.

    i'm not really sure if it's whining.  maybe observation.  maybe whining.  i'm not sure.  i'll let you be the judge of it.  if i'm whining, just tell me to shut up.  i can handle it.

    i've noticed first hand now that when something bad happens people get all up in arms and are ready to "pitch in" and help however they can.  everyone really has a desire to help.  i think people in general have that capacity- to lend a hand.  everyone wants to feel like when tragedy strikes, they'd jump in and do whatever to help.

    a few examples:

    • when we found out i had cancer, we received cards and calls and meals and notes.  people we hadn't spoken to in years came out to show their support.  "whatever you need" and "let us know how we can help".
    • sept. 11, 2001.  think about the devestation afterwards and how many people volunteered to help with new york.  the clean up.  serving meals.  looking for the lost.  thousands gave of their time and money to help!
    • natural disasters.  it amazes me at how many go to help when there are tornadoes, hurricanes, etc.  think about katrina.  again, thousands went down immediately to do whatever to help people.  even some places around us took folks in for months to help them out.

    here's what i've noticed.  here's where the whining starts.  (and it may not be whining.  it could be God calling us to more.  not sure yet....)  once the hub-bub dies down, the support dies down.  i think the "newness" wears off and we fall into one of the following traps:

    1. I don't want to seem pushy.
    2. There is surely someone else doing that work.
    3. They don't need the help anymore.
    4. Everything is going to be alright.

    maybe other traps!?!?  but here's the deal- people are still struggling over katrina.  homes and entire neighborhoods are still not rebuilt.  lives in new york are still left wanting.  and i still have cancer.

    i don't think we realize how important the little things are.  when i get a card in the mail, it lifts my spirits.  (right now my spirits are pretty low.)  and you know what amazes me?  there is a church in knoxville tennessee that sends me a letter or card every week.  i know the preacher and he put me on their prayer list.  this must be some kind of praying church because 8 or 9 people and families have sent me something.  they don't know me!!!!  but they know the power of prayer.  the power of carrying each others burdens.  of a kind word.  of not giving up!

    then take for example a group of people i email this update to.  it seems like daily or at least every other day one of them is sending me a quick note to encourage.  many of them don't know me but penni sends them my update.  and they in return send me prayers and love.

    so why am i writing this today?  it's NOT to have you all send me cards and fix us dinner.  it's not to guilt you into helping with the next disaster.  i guess it's on me.  see, i used to be one of those folks who would send a card or swing by and pray or email once and figure, "i've done my work.  if they need anything they'll let me know."  that's just not the way it works.  the need is still there.  i need to get off my butt and do something about it.  i need to send the card.  i need to call the guy.  i need to carry the burdens.  because we're all in this together.

    and some may call that whining or pleading or whatever.  not being strong enough.  too weak.  "rub some dirt on it and you'll be fine."  no i won't.  not without you.  not without each other.

    so next time there's a prayer request at church or a hungry man standing by the road asking for a donation or a tornado that levels a community or your friend gets cancer or a neighbor is going through marital problems or the kid in your kid's class has some issues....may you, may WE carry that together.  may we act in the love of Christ.  may we not give up doing good works and helping each other.  may our words be full of life and our actions point to the Life that never ends.

    Galatians 6:2
    Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Comments (4)

  • DeeSimerl

     Hi TroyBoy,


       Wow, I'm impressed with your whining!!  You are good!  Really, I do understand what you are saying.  I tend to be one of those people who write once or twice or send a card and think I have done my duty.  I just don't keep it up with the person.  That doesn't mean that I have stopped praying for them or thinking about them a lot.  So, I guess I'm saying don't think people have abandoned you.  AND don't be afraid to call someone who said "Whatever you need, whenever your need".  Sometimes, people don't know what to do for you unless they are told what you need. 


       Well, that is my think time for today.  You remember that I'm old so I have to conserve my brain power.  The "old" routine can really work for me when I play that card!!   I do think of you every day and send good thoughts your way.  Remember, feel the love.  Just lean back, close your eyes and let it roll over you.  Glad you are on the good days now.  Talk to you later.


    Dee
  • johnnybelfast2

    When things get calm something else always happens to grab peoples attention. You dont hear much about the Tsunami either.... And in a few weeks you probbaly wont hear anything about Burma. When I was in Honduras someone told us a story about a man who came across many starfish what had been washed up onto a beach. There were so many starfish washed up that he couldn't save them all so he saved the ones he could. I think the meaning of that is that it's impossible to help everyone, but there are people around you that you can help and you should you should help them.  This comment doesn't really make much sense but he, I hope you're having a good week

  • nathanralph

    Troy, I know *exactly* what you mean.

    With Clay in a Coma this summer, I was at the hospital 24/7. There were a select few that still came after a few weeks, but most everyone came in the first week until it all died down.

    To be honest, it was good and bad. We're all human and we obviously need support, but after a week of tons of people I needed some time to sit down and think. Of course, after the thinking it's nice to have people around.

    You're still in my prayers.

    On a sidenote, do you like fishing much? I'm thinking about going to Monroe sometime to go fishing.

    -Nathan
  • amesho

  • Choose Identity

  • Give eProps (?)

  • New! You can now edit your comments for 15 minutes after submitting.

Who recommended?

Who gave the eProps?

2 eProps from: