Hi
According to the Jamaican saying, ‘one han cyaa clap.’ We do not exist to live outside of community. It’s not healthy, despite the pandemic situation. Yet, so many people are walking around wounded (and perhaps wounding), unable, maybe even unwilling to find solace in the supporting ‘embrace’ of family or even friends. Is there scope for alternate ways of being? Considering that God epitomizes community in God’s Trinitarian presence – Creator, Christ & Comforter – we know that something else entails. I invite you to consider today’s Holy Nougat
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.”
Hebrews 10:24 NLT
A quick survey of the news headlines is a reminder that we must be our sisters and brothers’ keepers. We must. Ever so often there are posts on social media with the advisory – if you wanna talk, I’m here for you. If we are one of those who post such claims; that’s great; but what do we really mean? As one who accompanied some folks through their Valleys, I’d note – accompaniment, though essential, is hard work and a long time commitment. Can we invest the time, do we possess the professional capacity to accompany beyond the moment?
I appreciate that accompaniment in the moment is critical. Let’s do it. However, we may better serve others by knowing When to offer support by pointing them to trust-worthy professionals. Love is also about knowing when to share responsibility or let go.
Motivating others is more than just checking in. It invites us to help them (and maybe ourselves) to see the reason to do or be. That is we remind them of the joy of living. The original text actually uses the Greek ‘paroxunó’, which is closer to provoke or stimulate. And while life-saving may not be our primary mission in the nougat, creating communities of support, is.
Thus, we are not only called to be sources of encouragement but we are also called to create communities of encouragement and love. (Remember the reflections on characteristics of living sacrifices? We have a reproductive or creative function. It really is in our DNA). Our talents, gifts and skills are all part of what God invites us to use for God’s glory and the building up of community. Sometimes in emotional support, but also in other tangible and practical ways.
We might not be the best intercessor, but perhaps we have connections to mobilize the community. We might not have all the resources for mobilization, but we may be motivators. We can cook, offer skills or even support from our experiences. No gift, no talent, no skill is wasted when we wish to effect change.
Even the most perfect societies are flawed. Remember each person views perfection in our own way). And that’s okay. For if it were without imperfections, we would not qualify to live in them, nor would we have purpose. (Our task therefore, is to discern what our role is in moving the community closer to God’s love. The kind we all need but aren’t always willing to give.
Then when we find our paroxunó (our stimulus), our raison d’être (our motivation) in God’s love, there will the gifts be displayed to realize the impact we desire. Thereafter, we seek others with a similar Source of vision (or not) and together, use our varied talents and gifts to motivate others to do likewise.
Silver and gold, bitcoins and plastic – they have their place. But when our hands clap together under the direction of our Maesteo, God’s Spirit – what an amazing symphony we create of enthusiasm and love.
Selah
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
