Calvary Episcopal Church
Memphis, Tennessee
THE CHRONICLE
September 14, 2003
Vol. 48, No. 31

We Are More Powerful Than We Know
I have a theory; I cannot prove it. It is kind of mystical. I believe that if someone
talks to you about the pain they are feeling, and if you listen deeply, with your heart–-so much so that you find yourself really experiencing a bit of that pain-–it kind of “ drains off” some of the pain that the person has.

I have seen this happen many times. It is a wonder-full wonder to be part of it. And it makes a strong case for the argument that one of the most helpful things we can do for another human being is to listen, to truly listen to them. It is a great gift that we can give another.

...there are special times when what we are willing to give up for the sake of another, can directly benefit them. We feel their pain, they have less pain. We pour all of our spiritual and emotional energy into giving others a vision of love, and their lives are changed.

These things are possible. What’s more, they are ‘miracles’ that come naturally, if
mystically, when Christ and His redemptive sacrifice is the model, the paradigm for
our ministries. There is an old prayer, which includes the line, “…we thank you God,
for making the way of the cross to be the way of life.”

You and I are part of the power of resurrection, whenever we are willing to sacrifice in the name of love.
Bill Kolb+

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