Oh my, Steve. This, "But in the divine economy, the economy of love, this is the only thing that makes sense." I cried at this story, at the first coat being given back and at your having left over coats. The seeming futility of trying to help a problem that is so complex and the willingness it takes for your heart to be broken, and broken open by helping even just one person. This mantra, "it made a difference to that one," is something I'm going to carry with me. I've heard that story before and I've heard stories like yours before, but something resonated for me more strongly this morning and it's around this idea I've had for months now. That we are overwhelmed by the need in the world. Because of social media and 24-hour news, we are exposed to the need and grief around the globe and it's too much for us to bear, because where do we start? How do we chose that one to whom it makes a difference? In the past, a community could process its need and be able to help each other with loss and grief and healing. I think that's what we've lost and what you tell so beautifully about here - community and being part of one in ways that go deep. I am not a bible reader, but I know there's a line somewhere that says something like, when you help one, you help all.
Jocelyn, you have said so much here, I have often thought similarly that having all the grief around the world piped into our homes is destructive - that we are capable to bear and respond to the tragedies of our community and those nearby, but not every community. The overwhelm you describe is tangible in people who shut down and don’t care anymore… your response to this story defies that, is open and feeling, caring even. Keep on carrying this with you!
Thank you for these heartfelt comments, Jocelyn. The hardest part of working with these people was not to let the overwhelm overtake me. Very high turnover of people and the numbers were always increasing. So I always focused on each one and appreciated the preciousness of each individual. I think the Bible verse you’re looking for is Jesus said, “Whatever you do for one of these you do for me.” This was my mantra. Thank you so much for being here, friend.
Thanks for commenting Paul. This was definitely one of the most memorable events that I ever had with those friends. You are so right in saying that the spirit of that parable was there; it was so amazing to see such depth of love that made the miracle possible in that moment.
Such a beautiful story and experience! I've been thinking a lot recently about what love is, or at least, how it manifests. I'm adding this story to my list of ways how. Thanks, Steve.
You’re welcome! And thank you so much, Emily. It was definitely a highlight of my time with them and it was definitely one of the ways I could show love in action. Somehow just talking about love is never enough.
You definitely witnessed a miracle on this night, Steve - I feel like I was transported back into the time of the famous parable… is that what happened? Was the miracle more about people sharing their food with those more hungry rather than about Jesus multiplying the amount? Wow, such an inspiring story and a great reminder of Matthew 25:29, where “those who have” are those who GIVE.
Thanks for the great comments, Korie. Funny how parables, miracles, and other stories just strike me differently every time I revisit them. I love your takeaway about sharing. I’ve been leaning into our oneness lately and the aspect of sharing everything is such a great one.
The Divine Economy Of Love! This is really an amazing post today. A big wow. So beautiful. I would love to see the footage if you can get it from your daughter. It would be great to include tips.
Steve, your story is captivating, your reflections on this “new economy” of love are making us really see anew. Your titles are so bright, crystallizing the essence and making the learnings memorable - “Tossing Starfish” is unforgettable ! Thank you for having eyes to find such beauty around you and writing so diligently, to bring the beauty to us…. It’s a ministry in itself.
Oh my, Steve. This, "But in the divine economy, the economy of love, this is the only thing that makes sense." I cried at this story, at the first coat being given back and at your having left over coats. The seeming futility of trying to help a problem that is so complex and the willingness it takes for your heart to be broken, and broken open by helping even just one person. This mantra, "it made a difference to that one," is something I'm going to carry with me. I've heard that story before and I've heard stories like yours before, but something resonated for me more strongly this morning and it's around this idea I've had for months now. That we are overwhelmed by the need in the world. Because of social media and 24-hour news, we are exposed to the need and grief around the globe and it's too much for us to bear, because where do we start? How do we chose that one to whom it makes a difference? In the past, a community could process its need and be able to help each other with loss and grief and healing. I think that's what we've lost and what you tell so beautifully about here - community and being part of one in ways that go deep. I am not a bible reader, but I know there's a line somewhere that says something like, when you help one, you help all.
Thank you so much for sharing this story. 🙏❤️
Jocelyn, you have said so much here, I have often thought similarly that having all the grief around the world piped into our homes is destructive - that we are capable to bear and respond to the tragedies of our community and those nearby, but not every community. The overwhelm you describe is tangible in people who shut down and don’t care anymore… your response to this story defies that, is open and feeling, caring even. Keep on carrying this with you!
Thank you for these heartfelt comments, Jocelyn. The hardest part of working with these people was not to let the overwhelm overtake me. Very high turnover of people and the numbers were always increasing. So I always focused on each one and appreciated the preciousness of each individual. I think the Bible verse you’re looking for is Jesus said, “Whatever you do for one of these you do for me.” This was my mantra. Thank you so much for being here, friend.
The Parable of the Loaves and Fishes has always been a favorite, Steve, and the spirit of that parable was certainly there on lottery night!
And thank you for the restack!
Thanks for commenting Paul. This was definitely one of the most memorable events that I ever had with those friends. You are so right in saying that the spirit of that parable was there; it was so amazing to see such depth of love that made the miracle possible in that moment.
Simply fabulous unexpected delightful outcome....
Thank you so much for the close noticing, Nina.
Such a beautiful story and experience! I've been thinking a lot recently about what love is, or at least, how it manifests. I'm adding this story to my list of ways how. Thanks, Steve.
You’re welcome! And thank you so much, Emily. It was definitely a highlight of my time with them and it was definitely one of the ways I could show love in action. Somehow just talking about love is never enough.
No, I think love is a non-word thing:)
Exactly💪
You definitely witnessed a miracle on this night, Steve - I feel like I was transported back into the time of the famous parable… is that what happened? Was the miracle more about people sharing their food with those more hungry rather than about Jesus multiplying the amount? Wow, such an inspiring story and a great reminder of Matthew 25:29, where “those who have” are those who GIVE.
Thanks for the great comments, Korie. Funny how parables, miracles, and other stories just strike me differently every time I revisit them. I love your takeaway about sharing. I’ve been leaning into our oneness lately and the aspect of sharing everything is such a great one.
The Divine Economy Of Love! This is really an amazing post today. A big wow. So beautiful. I would love to see the footage if you can get it from your daughter. It would be great to include tips.
So glad you liked the post. Unfortunately their video wasn’t great but I think there’s a small segment running around somewhere.
What a touching story!
Thank you for your kind words, Stan.
Steve, your story is captivating, your reflections on this “new economy” of love are making us really see anew. Your titles are so bright, crystallizing the essence and making the learnings memorable - “Tossing Starfish” is unforgettable ! Thank you for having eyes to find such beauty around you and writing so diligently, to bring the beauty to us…. It’s a ministry in itself.
Glad you support and help me so much with this “ministry.”