Today’s Thought “Inauspicious” G. Ward

 

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3

Twelve Years A Slave is a movie portrayal (November 2013) of a free Black man residing in Saratoga, New York. He was an accomplished violinist who was invited to perform in Washington D.C. The year was 1841. He was kidnapped and taken to the south and enslaved. He spent 12 years as a slave being tormented (whipped and beaten) each day by a brutal slave trader.

Expressly, many are bombarded with legitimate circumstances of despair. No matter how exasperating conditions appear in some, there are often individuals feeling it necessary to offer quick non-antidotal commentaries that exact, “There are always others in far worse shape.” Such a response surely demands brief contemplation from the victim of despair, but is rarely soothing and most certainly lacks resolve. Furthermore it reveals lazy, aloof posturing from the promulgator.

There is however a better advocacy. A hug of assurance may help. Moreover, an empathy that ensures these victims that as the Holy Father is a present help (Ps. 46:1), that you too will stand with them through the crisis. “For He Himself has said I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you” (Heb.13:5b).

Happy Tuesday!