Originally written September 17, 2013.
As I write this, I am looking out my window toward a beautiful, cloudless blue sky; the warm sun bringing to life the stellar greens in the grass and trees. It’s a stunningly awesome Colorado morning. It’s hard for me to fully appreciate it, knowing that less than a week ago, our state was ravaged by historic, devastating floods. Homes have been damaged and destroyed. Businesses have been severely impacted. Lives have been lost. The devastation is insane, and quite sad. It’s heartbreaking.
Yet, just like the sun rising is revealing the beauty of creation, my heart finds joy in seeing another type of beauty that is rising up after the storm. I can’t even count the number of organizations that have quickly responded, setting up shelters and donation centers. Or the people who have flocked together as volunteers, giving their time, energy, material goods, finances and, in some cases, a warm place to stay. Not only are big organizations like the Red Cross and the United Way bringing relief to victims of the flood, but also churches and small groups. Businesses are donating supplies and equipment to help clean up. Even little kids are making bracelets to sell and setting up lemonade stands so that they can raise money to give to other kids affected by this tragedy. This outpouring of compassion and concern is simply amazing. It’s inspiring.
And while I am so very grateful to see this practical demonstration of what Jesus called love, it makes me wonder, why don’t we do this more often? Why don’t we show this kind of compassionate love every day? Why does it take something of mammoth significance to call our hearts to action? Why is it that in times of tragedy we forget our biases, drop our pretentiousness, and jump all-in to help our fellow man? I’m not saying that I am not grateful for people’s charge to action—it’s amazing and moving—but it makes me wonder what kind of world we could have if we would be living examples of what it is to love.
I remember how immediately following the September 11th events, people rallied together like never before. We were brothers and sisters, united in our humanity, touched by the lives of so many, and ready to do whatever it took to rebuild. Churches were filled like never before. Kindness and compassion were present everywhere. It was insanely great. Sadly, that all began to fade away. We returned to our humdrum routines, burrowed back into looking out for ourselves, and our concern for each other dissipated. The united had become divided.
I am so hopeful that our community will continue to support and uplift one another as the cleanup and recovery begins—not just six months from now, but from now on. I pray that hearts will remain transformed and committed to live outside of self, running toward every chance to demonstrate love. I hope that rescue efforts will extend beyond helicopters and life rafts, and find their way into everyday situations—no matter where we are. My hope is that we will be selflessly willing to come to the rescue of others—that we will seek out all of those in need—of a meal; of a home; of a job; of a hand; of a hug; of an ear; but most importantly, of love. There will come a time in all of our lives when the waters rise, and floods come, and we will be in need of a rescuer. Make sure that in your life raft there is room for others when their storm comes. Seek and rescue.
I am inspired in my faith by the beautiful, truthfully wise words found in scripture:
“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” — 1 John 3:18
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.” — 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” — 1 John 3:16
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