Then the LORD said to Cain,
"Where is your brother Abel?"
"I don't know," he replied. "Am I my brother's keeper?"
"I don't know," he replied. "Am I my brother's keeper?"
Genesis 4:9 (NIV)
I
do not know her, really. We have been gathered together in online fellowship,
writing about our faith, supporting each other, living far more transparently
in this sacred space than perhaps we do elsewhere. We know only what we choose
to share about one another, and we can only rely on each other's veracity…there
is no reason not to do otherwise.
She
is very hard on herself, and I recognize that in some form from the person I
used to be. Older, clearer now, I forgive myself more easily; giving myself the
benefit of every doubt because the kindness I show myself becomes the kindness
I show everyone else. It has become my way.
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| God knows you better and guides you in your blindness. Just follow in your darkness knowing The Hand that holds you is trustworthy. TWEET THIS QUOTE |
This
morning, my sisterfriend told me something I did not know about her; a practice
we share. But in the same breath, she said she wasn't very good at it, and I
couldn't understand why. When I encouraged her for taking uncommon risks (the
ones not everyone takes) and asked her into to speak such negativity into her
life, her next comment was that she probably just needed "a whap on the
head." She then confessed that she wasn't even aware of her negative tone.
How
comfortable have we become with negative self-talk? Are we so accustomed to
beating ourselves up that we're not even paying attention anymore? According to
ChristianAffirmations.com,
It is estimated that over 80% of the
average person’s Self Talk is negative.
How
are we caring for our sisters and brothers if we let this happen? We cannot
constantly monitor one another's internal monologues, but we can pay attention
to what people are saying when we listen (do we really listen?) What about what
we say to ourselves?
At
that moment, I determined to take her on. Because when you know better, you
must do better. It wasn't like I had a choice, I simply had a calling about it.
I then
remembered one of my favorite quotes from William Blake, who wrote “I myself do
nothing. The Holy Spirit accomplishes all through me. This reminded me that I walk
with a purpose, though not one of my own making. Ultimately, I
realized that I am my sister's keeper. She represents some part of the me that
once was, but not who I am anymore. I
have learned…the kindness I show myself becomes the kindness I show everyone
else. It has become my way. I was to give that path to her. I am responsible. I
am my sister's keeper.
So,
little sister, you are worthy, no matter what wrong messages you hear or
repeat.
The
last time I was feeling weary, a very good friend, one who laughs with (and at)
me, prays with me, prays for me, and helps me see things, showed me something
my mirror couldn't tell me...
despite the many times that your mind tells you
different, know that God knows you better than you know yourself and is guiding
you in your "blindness". Just follow in your darkness and know that
the hand that holds you is trustworthy.
I'm on your side. I see
just ahead of where you are to where you're going, and you can do this. The kindness you show yourself becomes the
kindness you will show everyone else. It can, it will become your way. Please
be brave enough to take this path. I am my sister's keeper, as you will be for
the sister than comes after you. We are responsible. We have been gathered
together for a reason, writing about our faith, supporting each other,
glorifying God in all we do. Our fellowship is a blessing, and more than that,
our sisterhood is a reminder that God is good.
