We Need Each Other

"Both of us need help. I can help make your faith strong and you can do the same for me. We need each other." Romans 1:12 NLV


Almost 30 years ago, I read the book, "When Bad Things Happen to Good People," by Rabbi Harold S. Kushner. I struggle with memory in a lot of ways, but the message in this book was profound, and I still to this day think about how important it is to be there for one another in times of trial.  The Rabbi had endured the pain of losing his child and the deep pain he felt.  He struggled to weave his faith through the suffering and anger he felt.  He said, "In the final analysis, the questions of why bad things happen to good people transmutes itself into some very different questions, no longer asking why something happened, but asking how we will respond, what we intend to do now that it happened."

When the tragedies of life occur, it is community that gives us the hope to go on when we feel we can't. We draw strength from others as they comfort and provide hope that tomorrow will come, and together we will figure it out one day at a time.  Faith permeates the pain when we share it with one another, thus, eventually making the faith stronger because it has survived what was once unthinkable. This reminds me of a scar from a surgery where an incision is made. In the beginning the incision is very vulnerable and painful. As the incision begins to heal it becomes stronger than ever before as the tissue cells regenerate. Even our cells know that when we are weak, there is a need to come together to heal. 

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father and Healer,

The tragedies of life come, and we are rarely prepared for the pain that must be endured. We know You feel our pain and will provide comfort through the loving acts of others. Thank You for the gift of community that strengthens us in our weakest moments.

Amen.