“DUH!”

As I think upon running our race in the Christian life, I am reminded of a touching story. Once there was a Special Olympics race where there was a gathering of people with diverse forms of handicaps. Yet all were running and all wanting to win. They didn't let their disabilities keep them from entering the race and they didn't let it keep them from trying to win. One particular gentleman who had some sort of issue with his legs not aligning correctly as he walked, was trying to run! He didn't make it far before collapsing. Some of the onlookers, looked at him with pity, some were horrified and shocked, while others pointed and laughed. All of the other runners just stepped over him or went around him. Except for one particular runner, who was struggling in his own way and with his own disabilities who stopped to help him up, so that they both could complete the race together. Even those who beforehand had laughed, were now moved to tears of compassion.

Later when asked why he stopped to helped the fallen runner? He simply said "Because he fell! DUH!" What a lesson from the lest likely. A man suffering from mild retardation and a physical handicap just schooled thousands of "normal" people on common sense and compassion for his fellow runners.

If only us Christians could learn to do the same. We are all in the race together. Our abilities and our disabilities are not all the same. Some will slow and some will fall but all should stop to lift one another up. When it comes to serving the Lord, don't hesitate to enter the race because of you're concerned about your handicaps. Don't stop just because you're tired. Don't quit just because you have fallen. And if you're running strong, stop to help those who aren't.

The next time you hear or see of another brother or sister in Christ falter or fall to sin or some sort of circumstance, don't stand there wagging your head, turning the other way or pointing and laughing about it. Be the one who is to come alongside them and help lift them up! Why? Because they fell! Duh!

"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” - Galatians‬ ‭6:2‬