Am I my sister’s keeper? Something for us to think about, right? We are living in an unprecedented time—a time where self-preservation for some is the main focus. Jobs are limited, money is scarce, and the normalcy of life does not exist for the time being. Therefore, how are we, and why should we be anyone’s keeper outside of ourselves? Well, let me tell you. If you are reading this post and breathing without a respirator, have food in your refrigerator, clothes, and shelter, you are in a position to help someone else.
Henceforth, we are in the most beautiful time of year—a season of love, joy, and peace. As you know, my favorite time of the year! For many, statistically, this time of year brings on heartache, depression, loneliness, and suicide. The pandemic doesn’t help the situation at all. The longing people have for love and companionship is more intensified in 2020. Therefore helping someone else get through their heartaches may be a little more complicated. Am I my sister’s keeper? Subsequently, I may be going through a difficult time. So am I obligated to assist someone else with the little survival strength that I possess? Is this the thought of some of our sisters? What are your thoughts?
Today, I speak of relationships with our dear sisters or anyone who may need our help during this season. We must consider what others are going through and extend a helping hand no matter how we tire and require support. Is it easy to do this? Not necessarily, but so needful. On Thanksgiving eve, after spending a day cooking, I was indeed a candidate for the bed as soon as I could get in it. However, going to sleep early was not to be my destiny that evening.
Shortly after attending Bible Study on my church prayer line, I prepared to relax, but I received a call from someone who needed a listening ear. The call lasted almost two hours. Was I tired from cooking all day? Yes, but it gave me grateful joy to help someone going through a tough time by being a good listener. I am my sister and brother’s keeper when needed.
The Christmas season this year is like no other. Shopping till you drop in the mall is not the safe thing to do this year. Attending holiday parties and large family gatherings is discouraged. We all have a part in helping to lessen the spread of the virus. The real reason for this season should encourage each of us to be there for someone else. Specifically, I am asking each of you to reach out to at least one person and do something to increase their joy. It doesn’t have to cost you any money. You can give a kind word, offer to provide your assistance in any way deemed necessary, be a good listener, and the list goes on. When we put someone above our own needs, the reward for that person and us is boundless.
In conclusion, we all need support from time to time. Today may not be your day of need, but tomorrow is coming. Am I my sister’s keeper- Yes, yes, yes!! For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Ecclesiastes 4:10. I’ll be back next week with a new post, “Give Yourself A Gift To Remember 2.
Be encouraged, and God bless!
Sister Jackie
Amen,…for even if one does not believe that we reap what we sow on the spiritual, one may surely relate on the natural theory of reciprocity, – from which we see many organizations have been derived to help those that are in need in many different areas. It is GOOD for our heart, soul, spirit, and mind, to always be open to show strength in our love to help others. For when we do, we should not do it for recognition, nor just because we feel that we may need help one day ourselves,… but we do it because we humbly and sincerely love God and we love others as we love ourselves, and God delights in us for it. Thank You Sis for this “gentle” reminder!
“We do it because we humbly and sincerely love God, and we love others as we love ourselves.” Beautifully stated, my sister! If we treat others with the treatment we desire, it will be easy to be our sisters’ and brothers’ keepers. God bless you, and may the serenity of God’s peace keep you in this season of life.
A resounding YES. I recall hearing and reading the story in Genesis of Cain and Able; Cain was asked by God, “where is Able”? Cain’s reply was, “Am I my brother’s keeper”? Cain had murdered his brother.
God didn’t ask Cain the question to get an answer,
(God already knew) but to get Cain to acknowledge his wrong deed and repent.
Therefore, men will know that we are His disciples by our love for one another.
If you see your brethren in need and you shut up your bowels of compassion, how dwelleth the love of the Father in you.
He that hath pity on the poor, lends to the Lord; and He will repay, and that right speedily.
Again I say yes; I am my sisters keeper.
Being a keeper may come in the form of advice, direction, time and/or something tangible.
We don’t handicap or enable, but we help if we are able. .
Thank you for the Word! And yes, there are so many ways to support others, especially in this season of Covid-19 when people are hurting, grieving, lonely and lacking hope. As disciples of Christ, the love of God will come forth in many ways. May heaven’s many blessings be showered upon you from above. God bless you!
As the songs goes, “we need each other to survive”! Are we our brother’s keepers? Yes, yes, yes! No matter what situation we find ourselves in, we can always offer prayer for our brothers and sisters. Jesus said in Matthew 25:40, “whatever you do the least of these…” He is instructing us to care for one another. Loving and serving God means loving and serving his people.
Amen! And it is not only a blessing to love and serve our sisters and brothers, but it is in the will of God for us to do so. Thank you so much for sharing, and may the peace and grace of our Lord and Savior be with you during this joyful season. God bless you!