What is there not to like about good ole Mister Rogers?
We all know Mister Rogers always shared great thoughts and advice, right?
Won’t you please take a moment to listen to this one minute video as he shared some words of wisdom with us?
Isn’t there such great truth in the wisdom Mister Rogers shared from his mother?
Always look for the helpers….there will always be helpers, even if just on the sidelines.
If you look for the helpers, you will know there is HOPE.
Trying to help at a friend’s flooded house; unfortunately, it had to be leveled months later.
What do you need when…..
….you are without power for an unknown amount of time?
…the land near you is being engulfed with uncontrollable fire?
…your spouse dies unexpectedly?
…a hurricane destroys your house?
…you are diagnosed with cancer?
…your car is broken and you have no money to fix it?
…your spouse decides to leave you and the family?
…your child has an addiction to drugs?
…a tornado rips through your area?
…someone you know commits suicide?
…you have surgery and you’re unsure if it was successful?
Yes, Mister Rogers, your mother was right.
In any tragedy or catastrophe, especially as we reflect on celebrating the recent anniversary of 9/11, the wildfires in Canada & Montana, the hurricanes in Texas and Florida, we need HOPE.
Red Cross Volunteers helping out in Texas after Hurricane Harvey.
How do we see that HOPE in our lives play out despite the tragic events?
By looking for those HELPERS even if they are on the sidelines…..
…the people that volunteer their time, like from the Red Cross, to bring water, dry ice, food, clothes to those left with nothing
…the utility employees who come from different states and work around the clock to restore power
…the first responders that are first on the scene to help others
…the people who donate money or the clothes off their back to give to those who have nothing
…the people who are willing to give a listening ear when you need to share when things build up too much
…the nurses or doctors who work extra hours to provide when others can’t make it in during a weather related emergency
…the people who reach out to let you know they are lifting you in prayer
…the person who brings you a meal when you were too sick to make one from your treatment for your cancer
…the person who is willing to give up some of their time and help rebuild your house that was destroyed.
A community rallying to help a person who lost their house and all possessions due to a flash flood.
Have you noticed how during the real catastrophic events, people are usually unified and brought together by helping one another?
I personally saw this when our area was hit with a flood in 2011. People could be seen sharing their supplies, grilling up hot dogs to feed others, donating items to those that had nothing, helping others repair their houses and the list goes on and on. Sometimes these tragedies unite us and we become stronger.
This week may I encourage you to actively live this out…
Who do you know personally that is going through a difficult time and needs some HOPE?
How can YOU be a helper, even if just on the sidelines, to bring that HOPE?
One side note: Have you ever thought that even if you are the one going through a catastrophic event, you just might be the HOPE to someone else?
My eyes were opened to that this past weekend. Having two family members in Florida and one in the path of where the hurricane was predicted to hit on Sunday, I was texting a dear blogger friend who lives in Florida as well. She would be sharing these encouraging, inspiring, faith-filled posts despite her being in the path of the hurricane too. Her faith and sharing of messages with me calmed my fears and made me more centered in my faith. Thanks for being the helper in my life to let me know there was HOPE, my friend!
Photo credit by BK under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC 2.0)
Always look for the helpers….there will always be helpers, even if just on the sidelines.
If you look for the helpers, you will know there is HOPE.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. –Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. –Hebrews 6:10 (NIV)
