It Takes A Village

Minister Sharon McRann,
United Chruch

Do you remember the story of Naaman and the slave girl. Naaman had leprosy and a young slave girl informed him of the healing powers of Elisha. Naaman took her advice and went to see Elisha, however the method in which the cure was administered and the people who helped him achieve healing left much to be desired in his mind. He was a proud man of power and position, who felt he should be treated as such. Excessive pride causes many problems in our society. It causes some of us to think that the ordinary person, the unskilled laborer the retail clerk those with less schooling differently-abled children etc. etc. are somehow less than those who have more credentials and a higher education. Now before I go further, let me say that a good education is a commendable thing, as is hard work and initiative, however when it’s used as a yard stick and rule for the worth of other people then it becomes a power tool, a way of “Lording” it over another person who is every bit as worthy in the eyes of our God. God calls us to recognize the goodness and value of every person we meet and Galatians tells us that, If those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. All must test their own work; then that work rather than a neighbor’s work will become a cause for pride. For all must carry their own loads. Paul tells us that we will reap what we sow, but he also says that, whenever we have an opportunity, we should work for the good of all. In my mind working for the, good of all, means striving above all else to accept our own goodness, no matter who we are or what our calling in life. It means encouraging and empowering others to be the best they can be. Once again, the words that come to mind are: Let me not so much seek to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. So often in life we have occasion to doubt ourselves to fall into the trap of low self-esteem. Too often it’s because of voices, perceived and real, that have told us we’re no good for whatever reason. We should not be a faulty copy of anyone else. Our ultimate goal is to be ourselves and delight in who we are. So many people have cried silently in the night, afraid to be heard. So many people think they don’t matter. So many people have cried, Does anyone care? I know that there are people in our community who have felt just that way at one time or another, often, because other voices have judged and told them they’re no good, or not worthy. Judge not, lest ye be judged. The servant girl, not yet sure of her own worth or wisdom and yet sure that she had something important to impart moved beyond her fears and feelings of inferiority and helped someone who had a great deal more power. Ultimately we are the ones who determine our own future, however, as they say it takes a village to raise a child. And I believe that God motivates and works through that village and through our own determination, and therefore it takes a village to build up each person,s sense of self worth, once we have it we can move mountains. Sometimes we’ll find ourselves weak and unable, but the village and God provide us with the tools and the love we need to begin again or to continue. And so what I’m saying to you today is, Be proud of who you are, you are unique and you are a blessing, and because you are who you are don’t be afraid to be part of the village that encourages and appreciates, and affirms the value in each of God’s people. We don’t all choose to be scholars, teachers, doctors, lawyers, ministers etc. Some choose to work behind the counter for minimum wage. Perhaps they’re in need of the village’s help or perhaps they have already been empowered by God and by others and are happy with who they are. Perhaps that smiling store clerk the one who brightens your day is already part of the village and perhaps the shy, quiet person in your group has lots of wisdom to impart; he just needs some encouragement or perhaps, today, silence is the better part of discretion. Let us remember that “ordinary people do the most extraordinary of things,” they simply need encouragement.