logo-image

Look for the Helpers

Shackelford Funeral Directors • Apr 30, 2015

We live in an age where nothing can be hidden, blessed with technology that constantly reminds us of death and destruction and devastation, of carnage and war and those whose only goal in life is to gain for themselves that which they must take from others, no matter the cost. We cannot turn on a television or listen to a radio station, log in on a computer or pick up a newspaper without being beaten over the head with all that is wrong with this world. And it takes absolutely no time for the worst possible news to spread like wildfire. If it isn’t a bright red banner across MSN’s home page, it’s comment after comment on Facebook or text messages from those with knowledge assuring the rest of us are informed.

Maybe that’s a good thing, but there are days it certainly doesn’t feel that way. I cannot fix most of what transpires in this world. I can’t provide homes for all the homeless, food for those who are starving, justice for everyone, or enduring comfort for the bereaved. Whether the events that afflict us are wrought by Mother Nature or man, whether by accident or intent, they are beyond my control but can still fill my eyes with tears and my heart with an ache that will not let go. In short, I am not able to control most of what goes awry in this world but, if I am not careful, it can control me.

There are times when it almost becomes too much to bear. The devastation in Nepal. The violence in Baltimore. The tragedies in our own small, close-knit communities. The death and destruction screams at us, demanding our attention, daring us to look away, but within those events, if we search deeply and long enough, we will find good. I don’t mean that there is good to be found in the massive loss of life brought about by a natural phenomenon. I would never believe that good can be found in anger and destruction. I cannot find one single solitary note of good in the untimely deaths of those whose lives have just begun. But think about the rescuers in Nepal, those who search for survivors and recover the remains of those who died. Look at the 1,000 volunteers who came to the most damaged areas of Baltimore the day after the riots, their sole intent being to restore what they could for people they did not even know. Think of those who reach out to the families so torn with grief over untimely loss. As Mr. Rogers said, “Look for the helpers,” for they bring far more than willing hands and hearts. They bring compassion, love, and hope to a grieving world. I challenge us all to be those helpers, to do what we can where we can with what we have. The day may come when we will pray fervently for someone to return the favor.

By Lisa Thomas 28 Mar, 2024
There’s a place I’m privileged to visit on occasion—a civilized wilderness of sorts—where very few people intrude and my desire for hermitism (not to be confused with hermetism which is a philosophical or religious system based on the teaching of Hermes Trismegistus . . . mine just means I like being left alone) is fulfilled.
By Lisa Thomas 20 Mar, 2024
I am a lover of words and occasionally manage to put them together in a half-way decent manner. Ask me to speak to you spontaneously . . . off the cuff . . . with no preparation . . . and my brain freezes.
By Lisa Thomas 14 Mar, 2024
In a bookcase in the office in Savannah, you’ll find all kinds of books, mostly on grief (which makes perfect sense given that it’s an office in a funeral home).
By Lisa Thomas 07 Mar, 2024
When my daughter was in second grade the music program at her school disappeared. I don’t remember if it was a lack of personnel or a lack of funding or a lack of personnel caused by a lack of funding . . .
By Lisa Thomas 29 Feb, 2024
On November 21st of 2021, I wrote the blog “The Ultimate Reminder” about a gentleman I’d literally known all my life . . . about his acknowledgment that his circle of older family members and friends was rapidly dwindling . . . about how hard it was to watch them leave.
By Lisa Thomas 22 Feb, 2024
Recently local and national news outlets picked up the story of Pauline Pusser’s exhumation, turning it into front page news and lead stories.
By Lisa Thomas 14 Feb, 2024
We didn’t meet under the best of circumstances—I was the funeral director and he was the husband grieving the imminent death of his wife.
By Lisa Thomas 08 Feb, 2024
They stand beside the casket, gazing at its contents, lingering as long as possible . . . unwilling to leave because they know, once they do, they will never again see that person on this earth.
By Lisa Thomas 01 Feb, 2024
Last Tuesday I saw something I’ve never seen before, and that’s sayin’ a lot, given how many years I’ve been around to see things.
By Lisa Thomas 25 Jan, 2024
I was sitting in the library Tuesday night (yes, we have a library because I have a million books, all of which my children will someday be required to sort through and pack up since I cannot bring myself to do anything but add to the collection . . . unless they follow my suggestion to take what they want from the house and set fire to the rest . . . please do not judge me . . .).
More Posts
Share by: