We need each other.
A couple of weeks ago I was able to work with a team. We went to a far away country to pray with people who sacrifice tremendously to follow Jesus and show others the way. It was a huge privilege, and I believe lives were transformed, but for me, the thing that happened was in me.
I have lived alone for over four years now. I get out and interact with others, but I also work from home a lot. On our first morning together after the alarm went off, my room-mate, a dear friend of decades, gave me a hug and sang ‘This is the day that the Lord hath made” over me…I dissolved into tears. Healing tears.
We need each other.
The entire week was like that for me. I was with many people I have a history with. I had kind words spoken to me from many sources on and off every day. Words of affirmation. Words of encouragement. They came from ‘family’: people who share the life purpose and longing to glorify our Creator. Some of them I just met that week, others I have known for decades.
What I experienced highlighted for me something I have missed yet has been such a rich part of my life…working as a team.
We need each other.
When we work as a team we share gifts and trainings. In this case we prayed to bring healing and wholeness to people’s lives. For me it is among the richest experiences in my life. There are many ways to work together, but the harmony of unity with diversity to build the Kingdom of God is surely hard to top.
Whether we are in a specific team like I was or ‘just’ members of the body of Christ in our local church, we need each other. Each of us has gifts to share. Each person is unique. Only you can bring what you bring to the group. If you are there, it is because God has something for you to give. You are called to be you and no one else, so be yourself and step out in faith to add your part, small, medium or large.
Speak words of encouragement to those around you. A friend taught me by example to read the name tag of a cashier or bagger in the grocery store, then address them by name. We bless and honor them by acknowledging they are people we might otherwise miss. The looks of surprise I get from them when I do!
We need each other.
It may be clear that one of my love languages is words of affirmation. But for those who find it hard to speak, there are other ways to show others we care. Doing something for others, listening, spending time…there are many ways to take part in the lives of others to show you care.
How can you step out this week to bless others, in and out of the family of God?
