Fred Rogers, the Mr. Rogers–the one with the neighborhood—famously said,
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me,
‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”
The news provides plenty of scary things these days. Our nation and our world are suffering; I struggle to keep up with the ache. The catastrophic hurricanes, raging fires and earthquakes, racially motivated killings, ongoing war in Syria, and the recent genocide in Myanmar, which has led to 313,000 refugees fleeing to nearby Bangladesh, threaten to leave me in despair. The loss of life and physical devastation are distressing, heartbreaking.
Earthquake in Haiti, 2010
Recent fires in the state of Washington. Photo cred: Tristan Fortsch/KATU-TV via AP
Texas flooding from Hurricane Harvey. Photo cred: Marcus Yam/Los Angeles Times/Polaris
Rohingya refugees fleeing to Bangladesh to escape the violence of Muslim extremists in Myanmar.
As I witness the sad news in our world, I also remember September 11th, a day full of shocking, tragic loss on American soil that occurred 16 years ago today. I grieve the losses we’ve suffered and continue to suffer due to violence and terrorism.
Firefighters Todd Heaney and Frankie DiLeo, of Engine 209, carry injured firefighter from the rubble of the World Trade Center. Photo by Todd Maisel/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images
To heal and move forward, we must allow space for lament; I also believe we must allow space for gratitude as we look for the helpers.
Today, I’m asking for your help. As we mourn the recent global suffering in our world and on this historical day, would you help me find the helpers? You’ll recognize them as the ones who show up, listen, reach out, speak up, show kindness and hope, who stay long after the cameras are gone, who give beyond their comfort, who look like Jesus–dressed in skin.
Here’s how you can help:
- Subscribe to my blog (if you haven’t already).
- Comment on my blog (not on FB) with the name of a helper and a brief description of how s/he has been a helper in your home, community, and/or beyond, whether recently or 16 years ago. Remember, no act of help is too small to mention.
Your comment will enter you into a drawing to win a free book! Yep—it’s just that easy! Comment and you could win a free book!
Your comments will be a collection of short stories, celebrating & thanking the helpers. Join me in naming them!
Drawing ends Tuesday, September 12th at 9 pm. Winner will be announced on Wednesday at noon.
![When I think back to the early months of motherhood, those bleary-eyed, overwhelming days (nights?) of colic and learning the needs of my first born, I can hardly believe we're here.
The toddler who traipsed around in Huggies and heels, singing made-up tunes and chatting with her hilarious imaginary friend, Lackey, outgrew my heels two years ago. And for the past year, I've been looking up to her--literally.
The longer I parent, the more I discover this gift to be one long, winding road of learning to let go. From the moment she said, "My do it, Mommy," I knew we had begun to leave the days of her tiny hand snuggled in mine.
And while I know these seasons of greater independence are part of her journey, I'm still surprised when they arrive with another milestone at my door, another invitation to release. Some days I ache to hold on just a little longer.
Happy 17th, Sissy.
You're a gift to our home, to your friends, to this aching world.
[ID: A white teen girl with brown hair in 2 braids, wearing black leggings and a black hoodie, is walking in the woods. Sun beams are coming through the trees as she walks away from the camera.]
#Parenting #LettingGo](https://i0.wp.com/www.katiecarper.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png?ssl=1)
Anneliese, who at 80 + years of age, went home to be with Jesus within the last month.
For many years, she and her husband, Larry, served faithfully on the bread-line detail at our church which handles a food distribution once a month to local households. She was of German origin, so as receivers filed through the line, she would remark “vite or veat?” One person commented, “what is she saying?” Another helper put it this way– she is asking whether you want a loaf of white or wheat bread to take with you!
Thank you for sharing, Aunt Dolores. This is beautiful! While our world has lost a wonderful soul, who faithfully gave and served, I am glad to know she’s with the Lord.
My friend Laura at Ivory & Pine. She writes blog posts with resources on mental illness, personal wellness, and relationship tips. Laura helps people to be their best selves so that they can help others?
( http://www.ivoryandpine.com )
Moriah,
Thank you for sharing about your friend, Laura! I appreciate your taking the time to respond. Looks like her words and work provide wonderful, practical help to many of us who struggle. I’ll check out her website!
Hi Friends! Looks like somehow my FB posts are not being seen so I’m going to extend the deadline to Wednesday, September 13th, 9 pm. Thank you for your patience!
I think of all those who helped us with the adoption of Eden, from financial support to meals when we got home. To name actual people, I think of the Fords. They allowed us to crash at their house for an unknown amount of time, provided food, and even gave up their beds(Kelly & Kendall). We are forever grateful.
Yes! Thanks for sharing, Love. I’m so grateful for all of the tangible love and support during that season. The Fords so graciously gave of their time, resources, and space to help indefinitely.
Moriah & Dolores, you are BOTH winners! (Glendon, you’re a winner, too, but conflict of interest here 🙂 ) I’ll be in touch with each of you–thank you for taking the time to comment.
Katie,
The month is half over and all we have to show for it is Irma! She disrupted our schedules, made a mess of our entire state, and reminded us how fragile our lives really are. All that to say I completely missed your request for a mention of helpers. Oh my goodness, where do I start? I know the book give-away is over, but these people deserve a nod. Jeff, who shared advice about the need for gutters, Geeta, who cannot believe we are feeding 11 people everyday and keeps bringing us bread, the church youth group who chopped up fallen trees and hauled trash to curbs, the businesses who opened early and stayed late to meet needs, eateries who fed, and are continuing to feed linesmen so they can restore power, Melanie who found people with extra ice and water, and matched them with those in need. And the list goes on.
Thanks for sharing, Mom. I’m so glad for all the helpers during Irma. What a hard week (that continues) for so many people in FL and in all those islands in the Caribbean. Our love and prayers are with you and if you need to head north to evacuate or just need to get away, our door is always open.
Katie,
The month is half over and all we have to show for it is Irma! She disrupted our schedules, made a mess of our entire state, and reminded us how fragile our lives really are. All that to say I completely missed your request for a mention of helpers. Oh my goodness, where do I start? I know the book give-away is over, but these people deserve a nod. Jeff, who shared advice about the need for gutters, Geeta, who cannot believe we are feeding 11 people everyday and keeps bringing us bread, the church youth group who chopped up fallen trees and hauled trash to curbs, the businesses who opened early and stayed late to meet needs, eateries who fed, and are continuing to feed linesmen so they can restore power, Melanie who found people with extra ice and water, and matched them with those in need. And the list goes on.