I have a lot on my mind the last few days. It came as a surprise after my mind went blank the previous week…maybe ‘die stilte voor die storm’ .
On Wednesday, I visited one of Eleos’ many empowerment programmes – Agapé. What was meant as a 5 min ‘hallo’, turned out to be a 15-minute warm-up to ignite a new fire in me. Since then, the words ‘Mind your own business’, refrained in my mind. It also has a whole new meaning to me. When you follow this advice, you can literally take it too far, and you will end up in isolation.
At Agapé, I experience like-mindedness - the love and support spoken about by Paul in Philipians 2:2: “then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind”. I have felt the warmth of these ladies the very first time I walked through the door. It can best be described as sitting next to a campfire chatting, crying, or laughing until you cry. I have realised this week, yet again, that it is a warmth that can only be spread by fire. Acts 2:3 describes it well: “They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.”
This week, a volunteer, Oom Jan, made a powerful statement about community. Not only did he say that to eat once a week (coming together as a group) will let you starve, but he emphasized the importance of going to church. He read about this in 2 Timothy 1: 6,7 “That is why I would remind you to stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you by means of the laying on of my hands [with those of the elders at your ordination]. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.”
The result we see in Acts 2: The apostles performed many miracles and signs, and this filled everyone with deep awe. All the believers were of one mind and shared everything with each other. They sold their land and possessions and distributed the money to everyone according to everyone's need. They all gathered faithfully at the temple every day, kept the common meal from house to house, ate their food with joy and in all simplicity, and praised God. All the people were well-intentioned. And the Lord added people who were saved to the congregation every day.
Oom Jan used a fire as a metaphor. Many logs, coals and sticks put together, will keep the fire alive, but separating one log from the fire, will cause that log to die. An isolated log will slowly burn out, and with a huff and a puff and a last bit of smoke, it will die.
Most of us used this classic ‘sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never kill me’ when being bullied or verbally abused. Experience also told us that this saying is not always true. These sticks have the power to hurt deeply. Oom Jan’s message about the sticks made me ask this question: Won’t it be better to light a fire for someone in the dark and cold, than hitting them with these sticks?
Instead of giving a blow with one small sarcastic remark, a small word of encouragement (pieces of wood) can be used by you to start a fire. How appropriate that they are called kindling. Shouldn’t we rather gather kindling, little twigs and branches to create a fire? Put yourself in someone else’s shoes and walk a mile in them. I believe that before people form their judgments, lash out with their tongue, or mistreat another human being they should think about the person they are hurting. As Mother Theresa said, “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” Kindling helps a fire get going because it’s small, dry, and easily flammable. Never underestimate the value YOU can add to a fire. You may feel dry and useless, but dry is good, and small is significant. Don’t sell yourself short. YOU are needed to start a fire.
There is a link between man and fire. Fire provides warmth, protection from the wild, light in the dark wilderness, and a place to cook. Fire has a magnetic power that attracts us. The flames of fire can inspire legendary stories, generate uplifting discussion, and build camaraderie among the people circled around them. Thus, everyone should know how to start one:
Create your fire bed - Ever heard of the saying ‘you’ve made your bed, now sleep on it’? It’s way better to start a fire-triangle (oxygen, heat, fuel), than to start a love triangle. When building a fire, make your bed first - always thinking about safety. You don’t want to be that person who starts a raging wildfire in your community. Some areas and communities are more rugged - dry grass, branches, and bark catch fire easily. Set them alight in a positive manner.
Time to gather your wood - You’ll need different types of materials to build your roaring fire: tinder, kindling, and fuel wood. When gathering wood for a fire, collect wood that snaps and breaks easily. Search for the dry and the broken in your community. Dry wood burns the best. Thank God for the community He has placed you in. You are there for a reason. Ask him how you can start a fire, participate more, and make a greater impact…wherever you are.
Lay your fire - There are several ways to lay your fire. Decide how big the fire should be that you’re building. Make your tinder bundle in the middle of your community. Be sure that the wood and coal are supporting each other.
Be aware of the fire extinguishers – there may be someone in your community who wants to pour water on your new fire, who wants to flood your pit, thus, make sure that your fire is big enough to withstand these ‘sprinklers’. Keep the fire alive inside of you.
Keep in mind that YOU can be the firelighter that would make the fire burn. Are you ready to start that fire?
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