Loved Fiercely—Carly Van Laar

Mister Rogers shared some really great advice his mom gave him as a child when he would see tragedy in the news.  He shares:

“My mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers — so many caring people in this world.”
-Mister Rogers

Why is this great advice?  Because it redirects the focus, taking it off the bad and searching out the good.  This is not always something that happens naturally, it must be sought, intentional, fine-tuned and trained.

In our world’s current pandemic, looking for the helpers is a great tactic.  For, when one sees the helpers in their element, it is heart-warming, encouraging, and uplifting.

Seeing the ones out of the safety net of their home, faithfully returning to their job day after day, putting not only themselves, but also their households in an elevated risk, it is down-right a heroic vision.  These people may-as-well be wearing capes and have posters made with their image, complete with the hands-on-hip pose, fiercely staring the threat down.

But what happens in the quiet moments when their images are not on the TV screen, not in the scroll of the social-media feed, not in your line-of-sight?  Then what?

I would like to expound upon Mrs. Rogers’ advice.  In addition to being grateful for and seeing the helpers, look further to The Helper, The Savior, The Creator, The Lord almighty.  Once your eyes focus here, all else seems to pale in comparison.

The Bible tells us about a lady who had spent all she had seeking medical help for a bleeding condition from which she suffered for twelve years (Luke 8:42-48).

When she heard that Jesus was going to be passing nearby, she knew that if she could just touch the garment Jesus, she would be made well.  She succeeded in her mission; and her faith, through the power of Jesus, healed her of her infirmity.

Only a moment with Jesus was enough.  If you have found new life in Jesus, you know this to be true.  All it takes is one moment of realization that Jesus is who the Bible says he is, for your life to be forever changed.  Once a person’s eyes see The Helper, they are sent in peace, as the woman was, having a sense of hope that was not there before.

Even with all the helpers the woman saw, her life was not changed until she had an encounter with The Great Physician, Jesus, the Son of God.  When tragedy befalls us, as it will during life here on Earth, in addition to looking for all the amazing helpers, search also for Jesus.  He promises that when he is sought, he will be found, and every rainbow reminds me that he keeps his promises again and again.

Thank you to all the helpers in our community.  Thank you for keeping things going and being a constant during these times where nothing seems as it was before.  Thank you to those who have not changed your routine, providing for the needs of our community.  Thank you, also to those who have indeed changed your routine to meet needs on a daily basis.  Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, much has changed and will continue to change, but we know that there will always be helpers to look for, and we also take comfort in the fact that “the grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”  Isaiah 40:8