As an educator, I learned and taught students of all ages that one of the best ways to understand something is to make a personal connection to it. As a person, I learned it’s also a great strategy in life. It’s one that helped me recently while I was reaching out to a hurting friend. This particular connection gave me a bonus insight into ways we relate to others in harsh circumstances.
DISCLAIMER: If you’re not a fan of the Marvel Comic Universe movies, please stay tuned anyway.
A dear friend’s family has been going through a hard place for nearly two years. Sometimes it seems like one step forward, followed by two steps back. I can’t imagine how weary she becomes. When she shared about another step backwards, this movie scene immediately came to mind:
Omgosh, Dear Reader, is there a parent anywhere who has not been a Groot (the tree character)? A time when protecting those we love most became more than any act of self-sacrifice? A time when we look back in wonder, trying to figure out where the strength came from to do what needed to be done?
He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound].
(Just in case you’re more of a Star Wars fan, this similarly engaging scene reminds me that even a little faith can do amazing things.)
Trying to encourage my friend was a stark reminder of times I’ve felt like Groot along the way. Perhaps suffering is a commonality among us that draws us closer, even though at times the pain makes it too hard to talk about. Then I watched the clip again. This time I focused on the other “Guardians of the Galaxy.”
I began to notice more examples of compassion and strength as they began to gather in the face of impending destruction. The Guardians began to gather as one drug a friend, another one carried a precious crony, unsure if he was dead or alive to their circle of friendship. Despite their world seemingly falling apart around them, the Guardians still sought comfort in being together.
Then I thought about times when instead of being Groot, I was rescued by a Guardian. Times when the prayers of others surrounded me, lifting me up, carrying me into the Presence of our Heavenly Father.
The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.
James 5:16b MSG
Here in the real world, Dear Reader, we all know life is rarely a delightfully delicious bowl of cherries. Even topped with rich whipped cream, we can still bite into a pit once in a while.
Aren’t we thankful for the overwhelming gift of strength from God when we need it most? And when we don’t think we can go on, He compassionately sends others of His children to lift us up.
Whether you’re in a time of being Groot, or being comforted by a Guardian, or enjoying a bowl of cherries, what are some of the connections you have made that sustain you, and perhaps help you sustain someone else?
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