"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
If you caught my New Year's blog, you saw my theme for the year is to "love God and love others" based on Matthew 22:37-39. My main goal this year is to not only do this myself, but teach my children to as well. The verse above, in Galatians, reminds me of the importance of loving others. Many of us know this verse, but perhaps are not sure how to "carry" each other's burdens.
I use to be at a loss for how to "carry" each other burdens as well. I knew I could always pray; however, which is very important. We can most certainly "carry" each other to the Lord in prayer. But what about being the "hands and feet" of Christ (1 Corinthians 12). 1 John 3:16-18 says,
"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."
So, how? How do we love "with actions?" How do we act out love, carry each other's burden, and be the body of Christ? I want to encourage and challenge you to reach out to a hurting mom today, this week, this month. Who in your "world" could really use your help? Do you have someone in mind? Is there a single mom you know who could use your help? A mom of a child with cancer, a mom who's aging parents' health is struggling or passing away?
Then, ask, "how can I be the hands and feet of Christ for them?" One of the best things you can do is give them a call and let them know you care, that you are praying AND then ASK what they need. Sometimes we moms don't want to admit we need help and we certainly don't want to burden another mom with our problems. BUT, God created us for each other, to help each other. So, when a mom doesn't know what she needs, here are some ideas you can consider based on my own experience:
*Offer to cook a meal
*Offer to take their kids for an afternoon or a whole day, so mom can get a much needed nap (she may not realize how tired she is until the kids are gone).
*Bring a special treat: shortly after we lost our 6 year old nephew to cancer, we had some wonderful friends from church stop by with a bag of chocolate. There were no words to say, but just the effort to stop by and bring something special for our kiddos was such a blessing!
*Send a card letting them know you are praying. It's wonderful to pray, but oh so incredibly touching when you tell that person so they know you are praying.
*Clean their house!
*Take them out for a girl's night--take a mom out for dinner or just dessert. Go watch a funny movie or a chick-flick. Just get them out of the house. Sometimes changing their environment can make a world of difference. And a side note, girl's nights out are wonderful as long as they are positive and encouraging. This is not a time to pick on our spouses, or join a negative parade. This is a time to laugh, love, and encourage. Perhaps even a time to cry together.
*Offer to go to a doctor appointment with them.
*Donate, donate, donate: your clothes, your hair (for cancer) your time.
These are just a few ways to show Christ's love to moms who are hurting. I would love to hear any more ideas you have! Please comment so others can know more ways to help.
PS What brought me to this post? A friend and a sister who are both moms and going through some really hard times right now. And a sister-in-law who has suffered much. Here is the blog for my niece (my sister's daughter) if you would like to follow her story and pray. Thank you. :)
Taylor's Tumors
