On Sunday, Insight wrapped up our study of Rabbi Harold Kushner’s “Nine Essential Things I’ve Learned About Life.”
What can we do to help someone who comes to us unsure about whether he or she wants to continue living? That happened to Rabbi Kushner. A woman outlined her life up to the present, which many of us would see as blessed. But looking ahead, she did not see any compelling reason to continue.
One of us told the story of a pastor who was helping serve a meal. He was approached by a woman who had thoughts of ending her life. The pastor told her he could visit with her after the meal, asking if she would help serve. The woman helped out not just that day, but for meals on other days as well, never again mentioning having such thoughts.
Sometimes, when we feel so desperate, it can help us to look beyond ourselves and help others. We can offer something as seemingly simple as listening, truly listening, to someone who is in despair. This is a key part of our faith as Christians, loving and helping others.
Kushner told the woman that, in his experience, it was helpful to let people into our lives, to love and care for them. He did not see the woman again, so never saw the outcome of his counsel to her. That may be the case with our advice to others as well, but our mandate from God remains the same.
Next week Insight begins its study of Richard Rohr’s “Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation.”
Written by: Marie Price
