At times when you see someone going through a circumstance
the best way to show them that you care is to let them go through their
situation alone. It’s when they are alone that change will have complete
liberty to take place.
They will be forced to recognize themselves for who they
really are.
Sometimes, if we aren't careful, our intention to make someone feel
good about who they are can be like a sheet that blocks them from seeing their
true self. If they can’t see their true nature they won’t see what needs to be changed.
Similarly they can gain a perspective on who they desire to be.
It
is the human condition to want to help another but there are times when we put so
much importance onto our own influence on someone that we forget to allow God
to provide the purpose and stability that they so desperately need.
(Adapted from a Journal entry I had written on April 26. 2011)
I spent Thanksgiving, this year, with over 70 missionaries from all over the world who have come for some reason or another to serve the country of Haiti. Some are dedicated to helping the hurting women of Haiti. Others are teachers who came to educate and facilitate the children of Haiti. Some came to living with the orphans and establish housing for them. As I ate my turkey feast I shared a conversation with a pair of "missionaries". We laughed, joked and stuffed our faces. As I looked around the room I saw a flood of content faces illustrating hearts full of joy. This thought struck me, THIS was church. No one had a problem with another. Everyone had something encouraging or uplifting to tell another. Everyone was there to thank God, each other and to have a good time. This was God's original plan for church. We were free. Free, in the sense that no one was looking to offend or be offended. The atmosphere was as like as the whipped cream that topped the pumpkin pie; light and sweet. The heaviest thing was the pitcher of gravy on the table (which was phenomenal by the way). God wants us to fellowship and know each other in such a way that even though we are people form different walks of life in one location of various reasons, we can still gather together and thank Him for his goodness and enjoy another's company.
