Luke 9:46 states, “Then his disciples began arguing about which of them was the greatest.” NLT

I grew up in Indiana where snowstorms and harsh winters are common. Epic snow storms like the Blizzard of ’78 are not so common. We lived through it. I remember seeing what Mr. Roger’s mother refers to as “the helpers”.

I now live in Florida where severe thunderstorms and a long rainy season are normal. Hurricanes take rainstorms to an entirely different level. I don’t remember how many hurricanes I have personally witnessed. Once again, I always see the helpers.

Other parts of our great nation deal with forest fires, earthquakes, flooding, and droughts. Across the planet, countries suffer from air pollution, locusts, rampant disease from lack of clean water.

We ALL face storms of varying degrees. We lose loved ones and strangers during these storms.

Now, the entire world is in the middle of a Virus Storm.

I do see the helpers.

However, there is something I would like to see more.

I want to see people realizing AND acknowledging the importance of each and every one of us.

WE ARE EACH ESSENTIAL!

During the Blizzard of ’78, those with snowmobiles were essential in getting food to rural areas. Those with large families were essential as they shared excess food for those lacking. Those with tractors, plows, and 4×4’s were essential in clearing roads blocked by drifts over 30 feet high. Those with chainsaws and trucks were essential in removing downed trees and provided wood to those in need of warmth.

During each hurricane I have weathered, I have witnessed totally different “essential” people. Those with tools to cut and hang plywood are essential. Grocery store associates are essential. Those with newer, stronger homes are essential to shelter the vulnerable. While a snowmobile would do us little good, those with boats are essential to evacuate and rescue. Anyone with a generator is essential.

Now, during the pandemic of Corona Virus, we yet have another group of essential people.

Healthcare workers, truckers, ranchers, farmers, and first responders are now very essential.

When were any of these groups of people non-essential?

Why are we arguing, just like the disciples 2000 years ago, about who is the most essential?

Why are we posting degrading comments regarding groups of people who are now forced to NOT work?

Let’s continue reading in John 9
John 9:47-48 “But Jesus knew their thoughts, so he brought a little child to his side. Then he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me also welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.” NLT

We blame government politics for dividing our country. We are doing the exact thing by publicly stating one people group is more important than another. If your toilet backs up from an excess of toilet paper, are you calling a trucker, a nurse, or Walmart? Of course you aren’t, you are calling a plumber.

This is simply the time for us to shine the light on others who may usually take a back seat. Just because school teachers, hotel employees, parks and recreation people, and so many more are not working the front line, does NOT make them any less important: especially to their family.

Across America, many manufacturing plants have made adjustments to now make ventilators, face masks, hand sanitizer, and so much more. Smaller businesses are making changes to keep their employees safe and working.

Sewing machines in the thousands of homes are humming along making medical masks out of scraps of fabric. Front door steps have become the place for random acts of kindness to be secretly left.

Homeschooling parents are encouraging public school parents. Retired doctors and medical students are stepping in to help overwhelmed hospitals. The helpers are everywhere; just open your heart to see them.

This is a great opportunity for us to value each person, teach our children trades and careers are both needed to make America work, show compassion for others, and realize we are all essential children of the same Creator.

1 Corinthians 12:14-20 says, “For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.” ESV

Let’s stop competing, humble ourselves to help in any way, and shine the light on Whom it belongs; God.