I watched it happen over and over in Houston, and it brought me to tears every single time: an imperiled human being sits perched atop a nearly submerged car surrounded by rising, rushing water, as a group of strangers begins to assemble and lock arms—instantly becoming a chain of humanity; one by one extending itself, until finally reaching the terrified driver and passing them toward safety.
of them. I’m fairly certain they didn’t get together on dry ground first to compare theology or to confirm one another’s politics. they were willing to lock arms with, who merited being a link in that salvation chain alongside them, who could be a rescuer.
The inherent value of the stranger sitting in that filthy, terrifying river was more than anything they believed or considered about one another that might keep them from moving together.
We become the best version of humanity because we know how valuable life is and we are propelled toward that life when it is endangered.
in need, just less visibly so.
They are pressed up hard against their limits. They are barely holding on—and w
We should find value in life around us, to realize how dire the situation is for so many people, and to figure out how to look arms with others in order to bring rescue to them.
It means we remember that life is inherently worth saving, and that sometimes we can do that saving work with people we don’t agree with—or even like.
There are hurting, struggling, exhausted people everywhere who are living urgently.
Find someone to lock arms with, and do something redemptive with this day to save it.
Originally Published at JohnPavlovitz.com
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Photo: Getty Images
