Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38
This verse was the "theme" verse in one of my daily devotionals yesterday. Powerful, isn't it? It really allowed me to think of the many things that have been given to me since losing Hannah, both physically and spiritually. Each person who finds themself just reading this very sentence has given me something and I am so humbled to be the recipient of these gifts. I hope in many ways I will be able to return these gifts to others and to offer a "good measure" to another soul.
Have you ever read the definition of altruism, especially when used as a coping mechanism?
"Altruism and other pro-social action may seem rather strange as a 'coping' behavior. According to the dictionary it is 'unselfish concern for the welfare of others'. Yet beneath the surface we all have our ills and seek to cope with them as best we can. If we have strong values about being unselfish and putting others first, altruism is a perfect mechanism for avoiding, and perhaps even curing our own problems.
Direct altruism may be found when a person seeks to help others with the same problem that the person has, thus seeking an indirect way of effecting a direct cure on oneself. Altruism may also be less direct and aimed at helping others in a range of circumstances. This may appear when the more direct approach would still be too painful."
I think so many of us in this community have used this coping behavior from time to time, or even recurrently, as a means of trying to heal our own souls.....by healing others. I know I have, and it has truly been a blessing in return. That is what makes this such a wonderful and compassionate community of women. I am humbled and appreciative to have found so many of you and the friendship and support each offers.
I guess my point in all of this is thank you. God always hears our prayers. He knows our hearts. He sends us others and sends us to others. He measures using the same measure with which you measure, so I KNOW His plan is wonderful and full of blessings for each of us. Count these blessings that have come from our babies.
Who better to softly bind up the wound of one, than he who has suffered the same wound himself? Thomas Jefferson
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Just beautiful and so very, very relevant and true.
ReplyDeleteLove to you, Katy!
Beautiful and yes, so very true.
ReplyDeleteI was nodding my head while reading this, and yes, it is wonderful to have such a caring and compassionate community of women to share our thoughts with. Thank you to you too!! XOXO
ReplyDeleteThis is just so so true. I have witnessed this on so many levels in the last 7 months. I love that quote too. *HUGS*
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post! I agree with all the comments above, it is so true. Have a blessed day.
ReplyDeleteThese are some really good thoughts...This community has ministered to me beyond words!
ReplyDeleteHave a good weekend, Katy!
This is a very beautiful post, and so true. So many have reached out to me, and I hate it for those who don't have this blogging community to turn to!
ReplyDeleteKaty, beautifully said, as always.
ReplyDeleteI agree that a lot of us use this method.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful post and all so true. I don't think I ever really thought of it as a coping mechanism, but it really is so true. This community is absolutely wonderful!!
ReplyDelete