I like bringing people food.
I’m sure that surprises no one. I like to cook and I like to be helpful so cooking for people when they need a little encouragement is exactly my jam. It’s my preferred way of “bearing of my brother’s burden.”
I know how very much it blesses me when someone does it for me.
I read these somewhat paraphrased words from Bonhoeffer this morning and it reminded me of the underside of bearing my brother’s burdens, the side that’s less sexy and less fun and less creative—the side of burden bearing that no else can see or give me credit for.
“The Christian, however, must bear the burden of a brother. He must suffer and endure the brother. It is only when he is a burden that another person is really a brother and not merely an object to be manipulated. The burden of men was so heavy for God Himself that He had to endure the Cross. God verily bore the burden of men in the body of Jesus Christ. But He bore them as a mother carries her child, as a shepherd enfolds the lost lamb that has been found. God took men upon Himself and they weighted Him to the ground, but God remained with them and they with God.
So glad your back Edie. You nourish your friends with wonderful food for thought. Thanks so much!
I haven’t read any of his books but Life Together is actually in a stack of books by my bed waiting to be read and I look forward to digging into it. I’ve never heard of forgiving others going hand in hand with bearing one anothers burdens and it’s going to take more thought (at least) for it to really soak in for me. I love your posts that challenge me and help me be more deliberate in my thoughts and actions. 🙂
Wow, this is weighty in a very good way. Thank you so much for sharing.
Do you have email … For questions? Thanks!
I loved this! But, I must confess one of my greatest struggles is not being able to share my burdens.
Stacy, do you have no one with whom to share your burdens?
I confess, I have been having a crush on Bonhoeffer for the last few years (shh, don’t tell my husband! Lol!). I’ve read Eric Metaxes biography, but want to read it again with highlighter in hand. I remind myself often “When Christ calls a man, he bids him ‘Come and die’.” Dying to self, serving others, bearing burdens…all part of living in community, which was something Bonhoeffer believed and practiced. So happy that you are back to being a blogger that blogs. 😉
Needed to hear this at this very moment. Thanks, Edie!
You are such a good influence on me – and I’m sure other readers as well. Always enjoy reading your posts, newsletters, recipes, etc. God bless!
Bonhoeffer has repeatedly crossed my path in the last few months, which must mean it is time to read some of his works, so that I may get to know this fellow. Thanks for sharing!
Oh Edie, You have no idea how much I needed this right now.
This is an interesting and tiemly challenge. . . it seems that living in deeply relational ways runs counter to our bottom-line, fix-it culture. I have learned much about burden bearing from friends who have endured and persisted with me through hardship and heartache. When I was running on empty, they spoke truth. When my prayer tank ran dry, they prayed. When I was paralyzed in my faith, they brought me to the feet of Jesus. Thank you Father for the gift of faithful and faith-filled friends!
You’ve got it in one. Couldn’t have put it better.
Simply BEAUTIFUL blossoms! Love both the hibiscus and daffodils and am reminded my irises sprouted back in October and the shoots have been growing taller ever since. I have no idea what's going to happen to them when (if?) winter ever comes to Southern California.Hugs and blessings,
No need to apologize! I’m always delighted to spark conversation. I can’t really disagree with you about Peeta. I do totally get the yin/yang appeal and powerful aspect of their relationship and I do think they are a good pair. However, I felt like Gale got thrown under the bus in the last book and that there was a lot more to him than “rage and hatred,” especially now that the war was over. I think that’s what really bothered me in the end — not who Katniss ended up with, but that Gale was needlessly villanized.Thanks for sharing! Very well stated and thought-provoking.
40 bucks? That’s higher than I remember.I was also puzzled by the lack of American birds, but the British bird turned out to be quite plump and tasty, much like the British themselves.Oh, and congrats on the Costco membership. I was under the impression that you were going to pass on that, seeing as your time on the peninsula is drawing to a close (for now, at least).
Why does California sent idiots to Washington? Barbara Boxer should be ashamed to tell a General to what to call her. Please California do not return her or Diane to the Senate.
Haahaa!! I like that!! I don’t know – I guess they see that I’m connected to my chickens so they see no fear. I pick up my chickens and hug and kiss them and they follow me like dogs. So the other birds follow.The feather duster is never far behind
It would be perhaps more accurate to say the Puritans were less interested in the stopping of religious persecution as in becoming the perpetrators instead of the victims
Laverne and Shirley! They are gorgeous – I look forward to more pics. If we ever meet up in person I have a story to share with you about a baby Eastern Water Dragon. You’ll like it. Sarah xxx