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Be a helper



The world is a mess.


Across the globe, wars are ongoing and terror reigns. Here at home, hurricanes are sweeping major highways into raging rivers and slamming trees onto the tops of houses.

Right now, in Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina, the lucky ones are simply enduring a run of days without power.


It's disaster like many have never seen up close and it's hitting very close to the places we, at Memories In Writing, call home.


I sat down to write a reflection for this blog, but couldn't quite take my mind off of our neighbors here at home and across the globe who are suffering. Day in and day out, the world is witness to suffering.


As ugly as that all is, day in and day out the world is also witness to healing and helping. The old quote from Mr. Rogers makes the rounds regularly. The dearly departed television host and former Presbyterian minister once told his audience of small children “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping. '”


It's a beautiful sentiment for children -- for those who are far too young to fully understand tragedy and disaster. His words were meant to calm young minds in the storms. And what a poignant way to do so.


But, as writer Ian Bogost explained in The Atlantic in 2018, the advice wasn't intended for adults. For adults are the ones who should be the helpers. Adults aren't mean to set that responsibility onto others. Yes, it's wonderful we have people who work as linemen for the energy companies and those who take on emergency rescue positions. It's wonderful there are people who give their time as members of the National Guard. We don't all have the capacity or skills to help at that level, but we all have the capacity to help.


We can all lend a hand, a voice, a dollar to help in these times. This month, we challenge you to reflect on how you've been a helper. Perhaps, take the time to write about your experience as a helper -- who were you helping, why were you helping, how did it impact your view of the world around you? If you haven't found an opportunity to be a helper before now, take time this month to reflect on how you'd like to help, jot down resources you can provide or organizations that could use your time and get to helping. You have it in you. And you'll likely be pleased with what you learn about yourself.




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