Candace Adams, Associate Minister
It is my belief that compassionate connections can change the world. In his Testament, Saint Francis wrote, “When I was in sin, the sight of lepers nauseated me beyond measure; but then God himself led me into their company, and I had pity on them. When I became acquainted with them, what had previously nauseated me became the source of spiritual and physical consolation for me.”
Saint Francis’ deep love and devotion for the lepers transformed his life and that of the lepers. Saint Francis didn’t rationalize his way into a compassionate connection, rather he embodied it. His experience altered the course of his life. Saint Francis recognized the value of relationships, especially with the marginalized. He viewed each person as a gift. By receiving others, he was able to freely extend God’s love.
The organization Sidewalk Talk contends that connection and belonging make us well and we need to create more of it. Dr. Helen Hunt asserts that we grow when we put connection before individual introspection. Connections are vital to a person’s wellbeing. Connections enable a person to feel loved and valued.
Author Gary Chapman contends that individuals give and receive love in different ways. Chapman identifies five love languages: words of affirmation, receiving gifts, acts of service, physical touch and quality time. Although individuals receive and express love differently, everyone longs to be loved and valued. Feeling loved significantly contributes to our emotional and physical health.
How do you express love? Is it through words of encouragement, giving thoughtful gifts, acts of service, appropriate physical touch, or by giving a person your undivided attention? In whatever manner you express love, generously give it to others. In this new year, I want to encourage you to reach out with the love of God and lavish it upon others. Who is God inviting you to connect with today?
Compassionate connections are at the heart of what it means to be a Franciscan. Each day we have the opportunity to let another person know that he or she is of great value.
