connected

Proverbs 27:17 says, "You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another." The Message
Lori has lovingly reminded me of that verse this week. Are we willing to bear witness to the good and the places where help is needed in the lives of our friends?

Today's New York Times features an article about college students with mental illness and the importance of a support system.
"It´s not like I´m going up to people saying, 'Hi, I´m Jean, I´m bipolar.´ But I´m surrounded by beautiful supportive people, and I know if I need it, they will call me out."
JEAN LYNCH-THOMASON, 17

1 Corinthians 12:25-26, "The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don't, the parts we see and the parts we don't. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance." The Message

There are healthy ways to involve ourselves in the hurt of others. We need each other.

What does it mean for us that child sexual abuse in Namibia is among the highest in the world(more than one in five women there reported being sexually abused before age 15)? I believe we are called to educate ourselves about the world around us. My interpretation of 1 Corinthians tells me that the rate of sexual abuse in Namibia affects me too.

Your voice is power. Be loud!

If you want to know more about how to be loud, consider attending part of the 51st annual United Nation's Commission on the Status of Women in New York City March 1 - 3, 2007. This year's priority theme is, "The elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against the girl child." Sparkfly is hosting a gathering in conjunction with the CSW. Particpants will attend side events and discussions surrounding the UN gathering. Conveners include Lauran Bethell and Patsy Davis.