We Can't Go Alone
This second week of Advent we will be focusing on this statement of truth “We can’t go alone.” I used to say that humans are pack animals. We thrive when we have others to lean into and to support. On Sunday we will explore the story of Ruth and Naomi. Did you realize that Naomi’s family is from Bethlehem? This story is a journey back to Bethlehem after immense tragedy. I am amazed that Naomi can even get out of bed after losing her spouse and both of her children. That is the kind of grief that overwhelms. Ruth’s insistence that Naomi should not face life alone is a deep and powerful gift. I hope that we all have people in our lives that are deeply connected to us. The kind of relationships that no matter the time separate that you can fall right back into deep loving and understanding.
When I think about those people in my own life, my thoughts go to being a young parent and navigating two children under three years old. There were some other young couples in my home town who were also having children right before or at the same time. I remember Liz who we named “Mother Earth” in teasing because she became our nursing coach for all of us who had new babies. I remember being at a dinner party surrounded by carriers with infants and how everyone (even the unmarried men) in our group all took care of each other in that living room. We became covenantal community doing life together and when I see those people now, time falls away. Our love and appreciation is deeper than distance.
Another time when I felt very alone and realized how much I needed a support group was when I was in seminary. I made friends with some of the other students and we began eating lunch together and trying to navigate all the overwhelming new language and questioning that we were facing together. As people in ministry we supported each other and became resources for ideas and coping. These people are my clergy support group that I have met with weekly for over ten years now. When ministry is hard, they are the people that I know that I can call. Even though they live in other time zones, they are some of my closest pack members.
I want to share with you about a family that are recent transplant refugees from Afghanistan. They do not have any people in Tulsa who are their support system yet. They have financial support for only two months and are struggling with the language. Janie Lampi made me aware of their need for a team of people to drive them to appointments, job interviews, etc. If you are willing to help this family with transportation or material needs, please contact the Lampis. They are in the church directory and will be coordinating our response along with others in the community.
When life is messy or overwhelming, it is ok to ask for help. We know that the holidays can often be the hardest time of the year. I encourage you to take advantage of the resources our Care Minister, Brittney, has provided for those of us who are struggling. There is no need to try to go on alone. We are here for each other.
Remember “You are a blessing.” and “We can’t go alone.”
Love you,
