Mark 2: 2-4 “Some men came bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on…”

Kim Butler and her steering committee put together a wonderful evening for Dallas friends to raise money for Tommy’s in-home care.
The generosity, the effort, the determination of the friends of a paralyzed man. I am not only talking about the Bible story, I am also relating present-day experiences. Our family has been blown away by friends and family who have “carried” us over the last 9+ years. Their determination to provide the means for Tommy to be cared for at home humbles us to the core.
Caring and connection are tremendously powerful tools of abundant living. What is truly miraculous to see is The Spirit working amongst friends who are motivated to act for the benefit of another.
Over the years, we have witnessed a strong feeling of connection among people who organize and who attend the “Tommy’s Nite Out” events. We know that at the core it is not about one person or one family; but it is about community, connection and caring.
We also have had the privilege to watch people in our home, who the “world” would not recognize to be wealthy with money or education, give what they have whether it is food, time, energy, or compassion to each other.
We have experienced the reality of the saying, “it is a blessing to be a blessing.” It is true that those who are willing to reach out and share their heart, their talent or other resources, know the secret of giving from a place of abundance.
When we love others from a place of abundance and self-care, feelings of peace and joy tend to increase, freeing us to practice healthy giving and healthy receiving. This abundance mindset increases our thoughts and feelings of belonging to something much more powerful and meaningful beyond ourselves.
Achieving this individual recipe for healthy giving and receiving takes inspiration, self-awareness, and discipline. In addition, if we give and receive from a place of gratitude it is life-giving and equally beneficial to both parties.
It reminds me of a parable that Jesus shares in Matthew 25:14-29; one interpretation being that some people may have a full deck of “talents” some may have one “talent”; but most importantly if we put our “talents” to good use they will benefit us and others. On the other hand, if we choose to “bury” our “talent” out of fear there is no benefit to ourselves or others.
Back to the beginning, we see this truth being demonstrated with the friends of the paralytic man in Mark 2:2-4. These friends were motivated from a place of love, they believed that Jesus, the giver and sustainer of all gifts, could heal their friend. As a result of their unhindered determination, their paralytic friend was not only healed, but they and others witnessed love in action.
This kind of faith, this kind of love is inspired and healthy. These friends were not looking for an opportunity to gain glory for themselves or an opportunity to “look good” in order to feel good about themselves; their hope was in Jesus who could take this act, this gift of love no matter how small and bless them, their friend, and those who witnessed this faith in action.
Tommy may not yet be healed physically, but his spiritual, mental and emotional health comes from faith, hope, and love. He knows he is blessed and his attitude of gratitude ministers to others who in turn minister to us, creating a cycle of abundant living.
Robyn, this is so powerful and beautiful! Thank you for sharing such wisdom. Love you!
Cathy,
Thank you for your comments! We have known your family for a long time and we appreciate you so much! Your light shines bright and we are grateful to benefit from it.
Love you guys!
What an inspiring message! Your explanation of the Cycle of Abundant Living is spirit-filled and very meaningful. May God continue to place HIS hand on Tommy, you, the boys, and the rest of the family.
Bruce,
Thank you for your encouraging reply! You guys have supported me for 15 years and I have learned a tremendous amount about how to walk through life with faith from your family. Thank you for continuing to pray for us too!