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It is in the Giving that there is Healing
By Rev. Kathleen Baskin-Ball, Sr. Pastor of Suncreek United Methodist Church
I am told that in the Native American culture there are some tribes who practice a special tradition that occurs at the death of a beloved family member. Friends and family who come to offer their comfort to their grieving dear ones do not leave the house empty-handed. Each one who comes bearing the gift of love leaves with such a gift in his or her hands. For the grieving family chooses a precious item that belonged to the deceased and gives it to one who has visited. The grieved not only receive, they give. Many Native American people believe that it is in the giving that there is healing.
It is in the giving that there is healing. It is when we offer ourselves generously to the world that we discover healing and hope within our own lives. Every year two teams of people leave our congregation and travel to Juarez, Mexico to build homes. We go to give of our time and resources and love to those who are without sufficient shelter. The families we visit, who live in homes built of cardboard, pallets and other discarded items, welcome us with unparalleled hospitality. We give a labor of love, candy to the children, a game of soccer on a dirt road, crayons, clothing, toys and medicine, and we share our faith-filled hearts with those living on the margins of society. They give their trust, their spirit of endurance, their unwavering faith, their smiles and their unconditional friendship. Then, what a beautiful thing it is to see and experience the healing.
The holiday season offers us all the opportunity to be generous with our lives. The mysterious divine spirit tugs at our hearts this time of year in a unique way. Every time we turn around someone is inviting us to give. Our holiday lists are full of names and faces beckoning our attention. Charities are aching for us to share their burden. Religious bodies are urging us to give sacrificially. Our families are asking for precious time and tokens of love. I say "hallelujah" to all of it! Because it is in the giving that there is healing. And God knows we need an abundance of healing love in all of our lives.
The holidays are the hardest time of the year for so many people. Depression, suicide, abuse plague this time of year. The brokenness that exists year round in our family relationships is amplified as we try to gather with some semblance of unity around the holiday feast. Single people long for companionship in this time of intimate reunion. Unemployed mothers and fathers crumble under the desire to do far more for their children than is possible. Anxious families and friends stare longingly across the miles that separate them from loved ones serving in Iraq. The violence at our doorstep belies the peace that God wills. Yes, we need an abundance of healing love in all of our lives.
So let us give this season. Let us give in any way that we are able to give. Let us give creatively, generously, radically. Let us give from the fullness of our hearts. And then let us watch the healing begin.
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