Helping Fragmented People

Since we started LWCH three short years ago it has been our desire to help fragmented people. This desire gives birth to all sorts of questions like, “How do you help fragmented people? What is needed to help them? What part does God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Bible, etc., play in helping fragmented people? What part do we/I play? Is it OK to use the term fragmented people? And the questions could go on. Let me start by asking, “Why?”Why help fragmented people? It can be overwhelming, exhausting, frustrating, and worthwhile, rewarding and consistent with the life of Jesus. I believe the story of the Bible. People sin and God redeems. Jesus demonstrated the incredible worth of people in his life and death. He gave his life to helping fragmented people. That phrase, “He gave his life.” slips off the tongue fairly easily. But, lately it has been hitting me with some force.As I look in the mirror I see a man who is still fragmented. But, not as fragmented as he used to be. I also see a man who can give.  Nancy Beach included some thoughts about a service she led for Good Friday at Willow Creek,

“The focal point of the service leading up to the meal of remembrance was a time to think through what our lives would be like if it weren’t for Jesus.” more 

I remember, and have an idea of what my life would be like if it weren’t for Jesus. The picture isn’t pretty. Thankfulness wells up when I remember. I am not standing alone today. I stand with others who helped this fragmented person, because they too had been helped.As a community of faith we “get to” help fragmented people. We don’t “have to”. May we continue to help freely, because we have received freely. Because we can. Next time we will talk about “how we can help fragmented people.”