HOLD A HAND #Otter

1 Samuel 25:2-11 ; Galatians 6:2 ; Hebrews 10:25; Philippians 2:4

I love aquariums. Its no surprise that visiting one has made it to my travel goals. “The Chimelong Ocean Kingdom” in Asia is where I would start, followed by , “Georgia Aquarium”. Many people find it ironic that I love water (and things pertaining water) and yet I cannot swim; but thankfully being in an aquarium doesn’t need that skill. According to me, there is so much beauty and calm in an aquarium, it is like visiting a different planet altogether. I was watching a geographical clip on YouTube and an amazing fact was thrown my way about otters. An otter is a  sea creature; a carnivorous mammal. I didn’t even know they existed until it was mentioned in that geographical video. What caught my attention was the facts. Can you believe they hold their hands while they sleep so that they are not separated from the currents? I did further research, consulted Dr.Google and learnt that they can sometimes use a kelp; these are strands that they use as an anchor so they can sleep without worrying;  just so they stay together and steady.

It was so so amazing and fascinating for me. I got to thinking about our Christian life as brothers and sisters and if we could just behave like otters ; how marvelous would that be? Especially the season we are in with COVID-19 which is affecting us all. There are people struggling with putting food on the table, job loss, housing, death of loved ones and the silent struggle that may take a while to be seen or go unrecognized :depression. We are all being affected one way or the other. Should we then shun each other away and individually deal with our own problems?  What if we assumed the otter technique and clung to each other so that when COVID-19 passes by we will not be left standing individually but we will have our community together with us; our relationships? That when it is passes, we shall testify that our fellowship was evident in how we checked on each other, gave, encouraged and even prayed together?

In my devotion today, I read the story of David and Nabal and while there are many things that can be learnt from the story. vs 11 is what stuck ; when Nabal said he couldn’t help David and his men because he did not know them and he didn’t even know where they were from.So I had two questions ringing in my mind; Was that really Nabal’s issue or was he just being who he was?  A selfish man who didn’t want to share his wealth. Couldn’t he spare some bread seeing as to David’s men had once extended kindness to his own men?

KINDNESS DOESN’T NEED FAMILIARITY.

Truth is, we can be “Nabal” in some way; when we allow familiarity to dictate whether we will extend kindness or not. Do we have to know someone to deem them worthy of receiving kindness? Sadly, the answer is yes most times. We are more likely to help those we know and shut the door to those we do not know.

Since we are all facing the effects of this pandemic, it can be so tempting to throw our hands up in the air and say, “let each man fend for himself” . After all, we are all being affected and trying to survive right?

We give ; not because we have excess but because we have access.

Currents will come and blow in all directions. This isn’t the 1st and neither is it the last. The constant thing is ; we all need a hand. That is one thing we will always need, in good times or bad. We need each other. Some hands will hold you just for a moment until you have found your footing and you may never know they were there and there are those who are lifelong “hand holders”; these are the people who will do life with you and will be with you in all seasons.

Lending a hand needs no scientific research to start, it is often us who make it complicated. Just start by checking on someone and finding out what their life is like in this season , their fears, their struggles  and how are they coping. 

One thing I am constantly training myself to do is always ask “How can I pray for you?” In that question, someone opens up and you even get to find a specific and tangible area where you can assist. Social Media platforms are the channels for everything right now and if harnessed well, it can lead to many benefits; like mass mobilizations of donations and giving.

Otters would be separated if they didn’t stick together and there wouldn’t be an existing community. Why won’t we human beings do the same? One log in itself cannot maintain the fire! Cling to each other dear believers! Leave the independent attitude of “every man for himself and God for us all “.Enjoy fellowship and let God find glory as he watches us be like otters as we prevent each other from drifting away.

Your hello could put a smile on someones face.

Your call could be a sense of hope and reminder to someone that they are not forgotten.

Your five minutes could assure someone that they are still worth the attention.

Your hundred shillings could buy a child two meals.

Who will you check on today? What organization can you give to? Which food bank will you donate to? Who will you pray for and with? Who will you encourage?

We can’t maintain our community if we walk in isolation. Whatever you’re dealing with you are not alone; there is a hand stretching out ?? As you receive that hand and find stability, stretch out and steady someone else.

You are light and you are so loved.

May His light shine in you, through you and in everything you do. Do not stay hidden. Let Him be glorified.

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