YOURS FAITHFULLY
IF ever we needed to support one another, it’s now. For myself, I’m too young to remember the impact of the Second World War on daily life, yet I recall my nan telling stories of how they worked together and went without during those days.
Adversity definitely forces us to reach into our inner values that comfort is happy to ignore.
I recently shared a message from Exodus 17 where Moses, Joshua and the Israelites, after leaving Egypt, come across a ferocious people who single-mindedly plan to annihilate them.
In this account, we see the significant way in which they all play their part in the defence of their loved ones and eventually see a victory.
Moses climbs a mountain and holds up the staff of God to remind the people of who God is and the victories they have seen before.
His role is about faith, demonstrating faithfulness, persistence and steadfastness.
Joshua goes into battle and outworks the fulfilment of God’s promises to them.
As the battle goes on, we see that they overpower the enemy when Moses’ arms are raised, but when he grows weary and his arms fade, the enemy begins to take charge.
This is when we see two less talked about characters – Aaron and Hur – support the arms of Moses, so that the overall victory goes to the Israelites.
We can all find ways of supporting one another through this season.
Social distancing is a way of life at the moment that clearly considers people we may never get to meet, it goes against the enemy of selfishness.
Helping others is actually good for us in many ways. It makes us feel better about ourselves, it builds a connection (even if it is not a lifelong one) and it, hopefully, helps to build a passing on of kindness which can make this world a better place.
Therefore, supporting others is good for us as well as good for those we help. It’s about community and working together, as we saw in the Bible account.
Maybe for some of us it can be hard to know where to start, so here are a few ideas to help us support one another and build a stronger, kinder and more considerate community.
Smiling and being friendly: It costs us nothing and yet can change people’s day. Maybe the smiling is difficult sometimes if wearing a mask, but a friendly hello says to someone you matter and are important. Try it.
Be generous: We can all be generous in different ways, maybe volunteering, supporting a charity, donating things you no longer use, helping a friend – all of these things help to show the world that people care.
Social distancing is a way of life at the moment that clearly considers people we may never get to meet, it goes against the enemy of selfishness
Share: Take the time to share a gift you have or a skill you can do to help them grow and develop.
Be there: Look out for family, friends and colleagues who may be struggling with grief, mental health, personal circumstances. Take the time to listen and help if you can.
Jesus, when He died on the cross, gave himself for others. He gave all He was to help, support and change the community.
Let us follow His example, if only in a small way, to bring love, kindness and support to our community.
The city’s motto is ‘Vis Unit Fortior’ – which translates as “United strength is stronger”.
As a city, let us pull together, love and support one another, and together we can overcome the current circumstances.