We Must Band Together
Whakapuputia mai o manuka, kia kore ai e whati. (Cluster the branches of the manuka, so they will not break.)
E te whānau, the weight of responsibility can feel burdensome as the Creator’s kaitiaki for her creations and each other. It will be increasingly difficult to bear weight as independent, self-sufficient westerners when encountering the full depth of theological responsibility through biblical studies. Is the response then to relinquish our Creator-given responsibilities, confining ourselves to what is convenient? Kahore rawa! Fortunately, the whakatauki above (and most of scripture) offers an effective solution.
Get help!
We must band together, whānau! Without a doubt if we stand alone, we will break, beset on all sides. Covid times have made isolation and distance such easy positions to assume. Don’t do it! As soon as (but, preferably before) that drowning feeling happens, reach out for help! Firstly, it’s a biblical requirement that you ask God for help. The Psalmist never says, “I look to the mountains and there I was helping myself,” or “Holy me help me get me through this.” Additionally, it is a community requirement that you rely on community, not yourself! The scripture doesn’t say “ask and you’re a nuisance,” does it?
Therefore, whānau, it is right and proper to get all the help you can get, when (but, preferably before) you need it, and together let’s fix the old saying to its truthful reality, “God helps those who ask for help.”
On that note, Tanya and I as student supporters, although prioritize Māori and Pacific students, are always willing to help. Our office is in the library!
Eugene
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