Relationships evolve. What began as a first staff position, wherein my Pastor regularly produced axiomatic gems I would not soon forget, grew quickly to friendship. Rick once said to me, “You explain people and I will explain nuclear fission.” The complexities of the being called human defies a simple explanation. We are more than bi-pedal, carbon-based life forms, another Davisism.

When we hurt, when our minds find it hard to fathom what we call reality, the words and encouragement of a friend cannot be priced. They are a balm.

I was catching up on things having been on vacation for the past week and found this,

Todd and Patty Littleton, their daughters Kimberly and Tommie, and all their extended families, are our dearest friends. The live right in Tornado Alley lately. Their area is now under water and without power after the latest storms. They are safe, thank God, but not all are safe. In the midst of all the storm we are also reminded how death can come in the plain old ways, while massive death descends from the skies.

Rick’s words would certainly fall under the category complimentary. And then there was this,

Richard Dawkin’s calls altruism the “selfishness gene,” but he is a Brit, after all, and his soul lacks empathy the same way British food lacks proper flavor. If altruism were actually selfishness, we would see it more often and there would be no mourning at the sudden end of its object. There are plenty of others who need a home, like puppies at the shelter. One is gone, run over down on the road? No matter, pick another, bring them home to the porch and so supply your own greedy need to feel good.

If there is grief, and if grief lasts, then selfishness cannot be the cause of altruism, or personal need the seed of kindness. In fact, one doubts the genetic coding of compassion. I, for one, suspect it is imparted with grace, by means of faith, and ruled by the law writ large on the heart.

You will find the entire piece here. Consider checking out Rick’s series on Grace while there.