Last week I left a comment on someone's blog that may have caused some people to feel badly about what I said. I want to explain. When I was talking about kitchen relationships I was not talking about anyone specifically. I was posing the question for everyone- INCLUDING myself about what happens in a crisis and there is no one from the kitchen relationships to help. I myself am guilty of running from the hard stuff in someones life. I am not proud of this act so I want to get some advice on how to manage this situation next time, and wondering what the church can do to help in this situation. Life gets messy for everyone at some point, how can we then (if we have a "kitchen" realtionship) make sure we are able to face the mess head on with the ones we 'do life with'?
I hope my thoughts and feelings are coming across more clearly. I am not pointing fingers at anyone, I am simply seeking answers like the rest of you. Please email, call, or respond to this blog if you have any further questions.
I do have questions... How do we love or show someone that we are there, if we have infact said that we were or asked questions, because we are genuionly (word? sp?) concerned for those that are going through a crisis, but they are not receptive to whoever was approaching them? They have pushed away or they have not wanted to accept whoever has tried to be there for them? I think that the responsibility lies on the individuals who have chosen to be in the kitchen. Who have chosen to support and be there for each other. I see the kitchen as doing life together, everyone taking responsibility for there part and if those in that environment are not taking care of or being there for those that are in crisis, the way they feel they need to be taken care of, then the individual or people going through that crisis, need to speak up and share there needs.
ReplyDeleteTo be in the kitchen, we have to be willing to "get dirty". Sometimes, I have to put my hand into the garbage disposal to clear something out so that it can function as it should and move through the system. We have to choose to be WILLING to do whatever it will take to walk through something with someone...this IS a challenge, because it shines a light on US as well. The old saying goes "you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink". We can lead others to the kitchen, but we keep them there by loving them regardless of what it is they are "suffering" and being willing to get hit...."when IT hits the fan"! I have had many occasions to be "hit" in the process of helping others figure out what was in their own garbage disposal...it can be trying, frustrating and even painful, but the fruit of the finish line is GLORIOUS!!! Sometimes, we have to be patient with those who fear even looking into the garbage disposal! MOST people want nothing to do with delving into their past ever again...but you simply cannot move ahead unless you can look back without pain!
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