Today’s Thought “It Takes A Village…” G. Ward

 

“Since I am afflicted and needy, Let the Lord be mindful of me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God.” Psalm 40:17

 

I was overwhelmed with intrigue to hear of one of NBA’s great players (Derek Anderson) authoring a book entitled, “Stamina.” It charters a course in his personal life that enabled his existence by revealing great dysfunction of times past. He became a father at age fourteen. Both his parents abandoned him at an early age more considerate of illegal substance abuse. Sleeping in gymnasiums and pretending to be asleep at friends so he could have shelter for the night. Strategically, visiting many around the dinner hour because then food might be offered.

Sure, for any of us, it does take a village to ensure decency prevails, but there must be willing villagers. Although our insights are limited (until one shares current difficulties), it doesn’t preclude our hospitality diminishing ever. In times past, most everyone adopted an ideology that understood our being created to do good works (Eph.2:10) as a result of a tremendous grace given. While society teaches only doing those things that further oneself (i.e. personal gluttony), Holy God still compels man to be his brother’s keeper. Be on the lookout for another Derek Anderson. Not because He’ll turn into a successful pro basketball player, but that he’ll have an opportunity to extend hospitality towards another that may have a similar need. Choose today to be a villager.

Happy Tuesday!