One of my biggest blessings is my Tribe. That’s my immediate and extended family. I talk about them more often than I pause to realize. I get to enjoy life just by doing activities with them. We sit and talk about various subject matters for hours on end. We dance. We enjoy music. We share. This group of people brings tears to my eyes due to sheer joy and laughter. The love I feel was not as deep in the past, though. It was there, just dormant. I appreciated every little thing done for me. Still, nothing truly clicked until my father had a major surgery back in 2018. 

There I was, on the heels of coming out of a health scare of my own, struggling to make sense of what we have been hit with. Many variables were at play. My younger brother had just gotten married and moved out. That left me and Mommy at home. How were we supposed to pay for these medical expenses? Our salaries were meagre, to say the least. How were we supposed to take care of Daddy at the hospital, go to work and handle household matters when these spaces were far from each other? My thoughts searched for assurance initially. The emotional distress was quite high. That’s when the Tribe stepped in ways unimaginable. Whatever Mommy and I could not handle, they took it upon themselves and stood with us. They took up our load, shared our burdens and carried us to the feet of Jesus.

This part of my story feels similar to that expressed in Mark 2:1-12. Jesus was teaching at a house in Capernaum. We know this — Jesus was a masterful teacher. He captivated his audience with mysteries about heaven. Persons came from far and wide to hear from Him. In fact, they packed the house. There was this man who needed Jesus’ healing touch. He was unable to walk and had to be carried on a mat. All pathways to Jesus were blocked due to the crowd. This friend group then thought of an innovative way to reach Jesus. The bright idea was to carry the lame friend to the roof of the house and lower him in front of Jesus. The plans left the group chat. They did it. Jesus being moved by their faith healed this man. What a testimony!

I love this story. Verses 5-6 of the passage tell us that Jesus forgave the sins of the paralytic, ruffling the feathers of the teachers of the law. Of course, that’s why Jesus came. But, my favourite part was the actions of the friends to ensure he got an opportunity to see Jesus. It tells the tale of how a solid community can lead us into healthier spaces when we are unable to do so ourselves. These brothers banded together, believed together, and received a miracle. The lesson is clear. Having a community is wonderful until you have no one to be vulnerable with. Laughter with friends is great. Sharing meals with family fosters belonging. However, you need people with you when the chips are down. It is important to have folks in your corner who will talk to Jesus on your behalf, especially amid rising tides of doubt. Never let social media or society tell you that you are better off as a loner. You were created to thrive in community. We need people to walk with us in grief and sorrow. Some things we should not handle alone. 

Don’t get me wrong. You won’t be able to tell everyone everything about your seemingly messed up story because some people have bad intentions. Some are just caught up in their own world. Some just don’t have the capacity to help you as you need. That’s okay. It is on us to identify the bad weeds and good plants. Then, we need to make a conscious decision to grow with those who help us to flourish. Also, we need to do that for them. After all, we need to be good to others, too. 

As for me, I am grateful I have people I can laugh with and cry with. What about you? Can you say the same? Who would proverbially crack open a roof for you to ensure you had an opportunity to be healed of your infirmities?