The phone rang a bit ago and I answered it to hear the voice of a good friend.
“Hey, have y’all eaten?”
“Nope.”
“Do you know anybody I love more than your brother?”
“Well, sadly for me, I don’t.”
“I’ve just made some of my famous chicken and dumplings and am going to bring some to him. And I will put enough in for you and your mom, too.”
Sure enough, in a little while our dear friend and provider arrived in the driveway with homemade chicken and dumplings plus a big chunk of cornbread. It just doesn’t get any better, does it?
Not only was the meal excellent and left a warm feeling in my belly, but the thought that my family had a friend who thought enough of us to fix and bring a meal out of the goodness of her heart warmed my soul and spirit. This friend has always been a good, Godly woman who always thinks of others and just being around her and her husband is a guaranteed fun and “different” adventure.
In these days of such uncertainty and stress, to have someone go out of their way to show compassion and friendship means so much. It seems that with the division in our country, people sometimes forget to take care of each other. It is not possible to just come in the house, plop down, and enjoy a cup of coffee and good conversation. Our habits have changed, and we (I) sometimes forget that we still need to take care of others as best we can. We just need to be a bit more creative.
The scriptures say:
“Bear one another’s burdens, and by doing so you fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2).
All through the Bible, we are asked to take care of those in need, those who are going through a tough time, those who may just need a smiling face. The New Testament writers and Jesus gave clear instructions to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.” Distribute to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.”
So many of our County non-profits and small business owners are hurting due to the pandemic and decreasing patronage and money. A lot of our wonderful organizations like A Friend’s House, Haven House, Henry County Cancer Services, the Pregnancy Resource Center, Henry for Music, the various Food Banks at churches and Helping In His Name, and so forth (and yes, I’m sorry I probably left others out) are hurting. Folks, even during these tough economic times, just a small monetary gift will mean a lot or donate your time to touch some lives of those who need it.
Now, I guess I am going to step on some toes here, but I begin to question the massive amounts of money we give to overseas mission efforts when our neighbors are hungry. We send so many “things” to other countries when our own local children need a hug and a toy. Please understand that I am not opposed to sending money and boxes overseas at all…I contribute myself…but, I try to look in my own “backyard” first for those whom I can help.
My friend knows how much my family appreciates her (especially my brother and I). I challenge you to find some way to bring joy to someone this coming week. Then, just do it.
And for today my friends, this has been the gospel according to Jimmy.
Jimmy Cochran is a resident of McDonough, a musician, a minister and the author of Being God’s and Staying God’s, both available at Amazon.com. Being God’s is also available at Moye’s Pharmacy in McDonough.
