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Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Last night I saw a movie about courage and carrying each others’ burdens. The movie was 42. It was about Jackie Robinson, the first black player in major-league baseball.

In one scene Jackie was playing in his hometown stadium in Brooklyn. During the game he committed an error and the crowd began to shout derogatory remarks and racial slurs. Jackie Robinson stood at first base with his head down.  He was thoroughly humiliated.  The shortstop “Pee Wee” Reese walked over to where Jackie was standing as the crowd continued jeering. “Pee Wee” put his arm around Jackie’s shoulder and faced the crowd for several minutes. Slowly the fans grew quiet. Jackie Robinson later said that arm around his shoulder saved his career as a ball player.

To empathize means to suffer with that person. That means more than saying to yourself, “That is too bad” or, “I wish people wouldn’t act like that.” To empathize means to really suffer with the person and take some action…like “Pee Wee” Reese.

Lord, help us to take positive action – help us to suffer with and actually help carry the burdens of someone who is suffering. Help us to have that kind of courage. . .that kind of love. . . Amen