Are we FIRST RESPONDERS?

We live in a 60+ community. It isn’t uncommon for there to be first responders seen here.  Oftentimes, there are firemen and paramedics onsite because someone has a severe issue. Thank God for first responders!

A First Responder are professionals who are likely to be among the first people to arrive and assist at the scene of an emergency, such as an accident, natural disaster, or terrorist attack. THANK YOU, First Responders, for your service, commitment and dedication to others.

Perhaps your heart is so big that you too, could be considered a First Responder because of your willingness to run toward a need instead of running away from it. I’ve been around many First Responders in my lifetime.

I’ve witnessed big-hearted people who are First Responders. They put aside their agendas to serve and help someone in need.  For example, a precious couple at our church, with their own two young children, have stepped up to care for a friend’s two young children while the mom is being rehabilitated. 

As beautiful as that is – I’ve watched how others have stepped up to help them with food, provide a team to come in and clean their home. 

And, while I’ve seen others be the recipients of the care and love of First Responders, I, too, embraced the times when beloved friends went to immediate prayer, brought over meals that showed, “We care”, those who called and said “What can I do to help?”

There were First Responders who offered advice to me during critical times.  There were those who mowed our lawn and cleaned our home.  There were those who sent cards and words of encouragement.

No doubt, we are blessed with professional First Responders who daily risk their lives for others.  In a “self-serving” and “what’s-in-it-for-me?” world, how commendable and encouraging it is to see there are those out there who do put others first.

They are like the Good Samaritan who stopped to help a beaten man, put him on his donkey, took him for medical care, and even paid his entire bill. (Luke 10:25-37). That was the response after Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”

The question for us to answer is: “Who are our neighbors?”  It shouldn’t matter if we are diverse in our religious, ethical, and political persuasions.  Like my friend who opens her doors to whosoever may come, shouldn’t we all be FIRST RESPONDERS – just like our Heavenly Father? 

“Call on Me and I will answer you!”  Psalm 91:15