|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…
|
A phrase we often hear is about being “our brother’s keeper.” We know that all people are our brothers and sisters, and being our brother’s keeper means looking out for each other. We all want to do this when we can–if someone’s barn burns down we want to help rebuild it, or if a farmer is seriously ill during harvest we all want to help the family harvest their crop.
Looking Out For Others and Stress
Just like any other situation, we want to help others dealing with high stress. Yet sometimes it can feel harder—we don’t want to intrude and so we hang back and wait to be asked for help. But when a person is under a lot of stress it can be really hard for them to ask for help.
In this context, it is very important to be out brothers’ keepers and not be afraid to reach out and support someone. It has been shown over and over again that one of the most powerful things for coping with stress is the support of friends and neighbors.
So, how can we be our brothers’ keepers around stress? Maybe someone is going through a difficult time—they’ve lost a loved one or are having trouble on their farm. Or maybe someone who was a regular at the coffee shop stops showing up, or you notice that they look unusually tired all the time. Something as simple as a text, a phone call, or a quick visit can make a world of difference.
What Do I Say?
What are some caring messages we can give someone who is having a hard time? How about:
- We’ve missed you at church–how are things going?
- I’m so sorry for your loss—I’d like to stop by and bring some (fill in the blank with their favorite food) and visit;
- I know things have been rough lately—how are you doing, really?
- You’re an important friend to me. I haven’t seen you in a while—let’s get together Saturday.
You get the idea. The words really aren’t that important. Letting someone know you care, can listen, and are willing to help, even in just a small way, is what really matters. Persistence is important too. Don’t take an “Oh I’m fine” at face value; keep checking in on your friends and neighbors.
Committing to Care
For May, Mental Health Month, I’m committing to two things. First, when someone asks me how I’m doing, I’m going to tell the truth and not gloss over it with an “Oh I’m fine.” Second, I’m going to make an effort every day to reach out to someone and see how they are doing, by text or email or phone.
If we are going to thrive on the farm, we all need to look out for each other. I hope you’ll join me in this effort to be our brothers’ keepers, for May, and for always.
For more ways to start a caring conversation, check out the Farm Bureau Farm State of Mind website at https://www.fb.org/initiative/farm-state-of-mind#starttheconversation
