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“He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”  2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT)

I recently traveled and, due to flight delays and schedule changes, ended up on six different flights in five days.  A little bit crazy, but I ended up where I needed to be, so it was great!

On the first plane, I diligently listened to the professionals tell me about all the safety features, the exits, the seatbelts, the oxygen masks, and using my seat as a flotation device.  By the third flight, I glanced up as they spoke, but my mind wandered.  The last flights found me with my book open and chatting with my new neighbor.  I am sure they said the same thing, but I could not guarantee it.

The week ended, and as I was getting settled at home and catching up, I started thinking about that oxygen mask and what they always say.   Be sure to put your mask on first, so you will be able to help others.

What a deep life lesson we need to hang on to.

When the unexpected occurs, tragedy strikes, or the unthinkable becomes a part of our lives, it is vital that we take care of ourselves.  That may sound selfish, but I encourage you to reframe the way you may be thinking of it.  We take care of ourselves so that we may begin to take care of others.  We put on the oxygen mask – get counseling, find resources, join a community/support group, etc, so that we will be able to put the oxygen mask on the next person whose footsteps follow ours.

As Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians, God offers us comfort so that we can comfort others. This comfort was not given to us quickly-it is the comfort we found in Him as we mourned, struggled, and/or wrestled with the Lord.  As we work through our healing process, we can offer His comfort to others.  Comfort used here is the Greek word, paraklesis, which means “to call for help.”  We have those we can call on for help and, in turn, those coming behind us can call on us for help.

Remember how I said that on the last flights, I was not even thinking about the oxygen mask or what to do if the unexpected occurs.  I was comfortable and thought I knew it all.  I realized there are three pitfalls when we do not pay attention to the oxygen mask.    One, we do not take the time to secure the oxygen mask and take the next steps before we take it off and try to help others.  Two, we never take the oxygen mask off and it remains about us or three, we lose our compassion for those who need the mask when we forget what it feels like to be starving of oxygen.  The oxygen mask is necessary for us and for those around us.  The oxygen mask may be our connection to those who need Him and His healing.

“Father, help us to heal the deepest places of our hearts so we may share Your comfort and deep love with those who so desperately need it.”

For His Glory

Terrie Tollerson (www.TerrieTollerson.com)
TRBC Women’s Life