There is so much need in the world. The cool part is we get to be part of the solution. If we are willing, we can begin right in front of us with those nearest and closest and work out from there.
My oldest sister was about 11 when I was born. That is a big gap in birth order. It wasn’t very long after I was born that my mother and father split leaving my mom to raise the five of us (including me as a toddler). Many teens would resent having to take care of and spend time with a sibling so young. My sister instead, even though suffering from the pains of a broken family, chose to spend endless hours with me. She was my friend, protector, and hero.
My wife and I recently saw the new Wonder Woman movie. It reminded me so much of my sister’s caring and fierce heart. I was five when Linda Carter started playing Wonder Woman in the tv series. I could not help but relate her looks and character to my own wonder woman, my sister.
What was it that caused her to help me and others even in a time of crisis? The other option is to isolate and hide our strength, saving us from being hurt and vulnerable.
We were made to help. Helping activates a hope in us that reminds us that things will change. John Eldredge in Sacred Romance says “hope looks ahead and keeps desire alive.” In hardship, life changes or any struggle, if we step out and choose to help someone, or shift from isolation to an outward act we are brought back as if from a suffocating deep dive into the depths of pain to the surface where we can breathe again.