My Aunt Roberta is a hugger. Do you have a hugger in your family?
She does not know strangers. She has no shame in hugging folks in public. Love genuinely comes from her soul to those around her. She loves the unlovable. She loves the unreached. She loves her husband, kids, and family. She loves her neighbors and her church family. She is the real deal. When I get to see her, I expect a hug.
My aunt challenged me with these words she prays to God, “Help Us Grow Stronger.”
That was her prayer in her season of suffering. Because of her great love for Jesus and for others, she longed for inclusive strengthening. In other words, she looked out for others as much as herself for strength. This beautiful display of humility comes from a regenerated heart of love.
I want to love others like that. I want my prayer life to shift toward that same prayer, “Father, help us grow stronger.”
It is easy to make life about yourself. Trust me. Even in prayer, we can leave out the needs of others. Lately, I have attempted to pray more for others. There is much to be said about bringing the names of people we love to the throne room of God. If we all took my aunt’s wisdom, we would perhaps see growth in others.
Do you know anyone weak, afraid, or sick? Pray for them.
We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves – Romans 15:1, ESV
Loving others is the key to my aunt’s HUGS approach to her suffering. Choose to love others today. I would strongly suggest you examine the beauty of 1 John. This book is full of truth regarding God’s love for us and our love for others.
This is the key for HUGS. May that be our prayer. Help us grow stronger.
Dave Snyder, Pastor, First Baptist Church of Pensacola
dsnyder@fbcp.org
Local Pulse Editor’s Note:
Dave Snyder is a part of our Community Voices series. This dynamic group of Pensacola dwellers is dedicated to driving positive change in our city. They inspire progress and foster a stronger, more connected community through shared experiences, expert insights, and thoughtful perspectives on impactful topics.
