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Are there burdens that are just too heavy to carry on our own? Even Jesus receives help carrying his cross.
The old adage is, “a burden shared is a burdened halved and a joy shared is a joy doubled.”
Jesus has called us all to share his burdens and hopes for people and their lives. Have you experienced this in your life?
It can be difficult to risk helping another, especially if it is a justice issue like equality, immigration, LGBTQIA+ community, etc. When you show your support, you are now one of them and open to the same ridicule, prejudice, and hurtful behaviors that they receive. In cases like this, a burden shared may be a burden doubled for you, while you lighten the load for the other.
We also know that people can shrug and be apathetic and not show concern for a brother or sister. We may hear such supportive statements as “Suck it up” or “Pull yourself up by your bootstraps” or “Get over it.”
Yet, we know we are stronger and better able to work for justice and righteousness if we combine our efforts and strength. We have witnessed many social justice issues where grace is able to give life more abundantly to those who were being diminished. Or people can embrace us and seek to help us carry our crosses of grief and pain as we seek hope.
Thoughts to ponder:
Have you risked sharing and experienced any of the above scenarios?
How hard is it to risk sharing again if someone has diminished your cross?
Are there ways we can provide for others a non-threatening entry into a safe place to share their burdens?
Continue to the next station when you are ready by clicking this link.
If this experience has raised questions or concerns and you would like to have further conversations, please email srpastor@doveofthedesert.com.
Stations of the Cross at Dove of the Desert UMC 