Psalm 41:1 “Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in time of trouble.”

This psalm is a prayer for God’s mercy when feeling sick or deserted; God remains on our side. But what really strikes me is that the Bible often speaks of God’s care for the weak, poor and needy, and His blessing for those who share this concern. God wants our generosity to reflect his own free giving. As He has blessed us, we should bless others.

When I read this psalm, I thought of the work of our own Sheila Stanton, who steadfastly and tirelessly lead the efforts of our Community Dinners. These were not just food buffets, but they were feasts for the entire soul. She not just fed stomachs, but she fed community and companionship to people longing to be part of something.

I think God wants us to “be like Sheila.” There is so much to be done. With government and community food programs in disarray, the need for local action is greater than ever. Each of us can play a role, no matter how big or small. If we each give a helping hand, our collective impacts can magnify quickly and greatly.

Jerry Mickelson