To Rescue or Not to Rescue...?
I firmly believe that when a person can see an issue in this world and realize that they can be an advocate and a voice for it. It's not only good for the cause, but it's reforming for the person. We are called to rescue in some way, and rescuing animals is my thing. Mr. Shaffer said it best:
"When you look into the eyes of an animal you've rescued, you cant help but fall in love."
-Paul Shaffer
I know it's not everyone's thing though. And that is totally ok. It's my thing, so I can talk about it, but I want you to think about your thing and apply it to what I have to say about being a "rescuer".
Everyone is hurt in some way, shape or form. We're all so capable of doing terrible things to "good" souls. And we all need healing. Even the strongest of us, with hearts of steel, cannot withstand a lifetime of being hurt, and that is the life we will unfortunately live out.
Our Rescue History - The Cliff Notes Version
They'll lick any intruder to death...
My animals help me to be more adoptive as a whole. When we found them, they were tired, alone and fighting for life. Our cat, Sushi, was pregnant at the time. We definitely had no idea of it until it was "too late". Haha! One of our dogs, Ella, was eating trash at the back of the restaurant KC and I worked at, with a duffel bag strap safety-pinned around her neck as a collar. She doesn't like any other dogs, like at all. There is only ONE exception, though... Kodiak, the big ol' oaf. He is our third (and probably FINAL) rescue, and was bouncing around from home to home. He was tired, confused, and still deals with mega separation anxiety.
The Person of Jesus is RESCUER
It all points back to a person– Jesus. He came to rescue us all! If he is suppose to be an example of who we need to be in the world, then we can't sit on the bench. Furthermore, if his way of having relationship is meant to show us how to love one another, then we need to be more adoptive in the way we treat one another.
Yes, they're animals, but how we treat them definitely transfers to how we treat others in our lives. Ultimately, they teach us how to love the unlovable. "...And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.'" (Mark 2:17) Jesus heard some misguided people talking about the fact that he spent a lot of time with "sinners and tax collectors". Simply put, we should be spending time with people with the intention of helping them, not hurting them. People are valuable, and capable of doing a lot of good in the world when they are whole and healing.
We Need Each Other
The next point I'd like to make is that we simply need each other. I know it's a bit overused in all kinds of social settings, but it's true: We are BETTER TOGETHER. When a body has gone through dismemberment, it stops functioning as effectively as it did before. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of capable people out there missing limbs and extremities, senses and some key organ functions; that's not what I mean. What I am trying to say is that if the body had stayed whole, with every part needed to function, it would be more effective in and of itself. It wouldn't need a solution to its problem because it wouldn't have any problem.
We need each and every part of the body to be whole, healed and in optimum condition in order for this entire system to work. That means, we need to help each other out to get to that place. When one arm is tired, the other pitches in to compensate. When your leg gets a cramp, your whole body comes to rescue your leg by shifting to help alleviate it from continuing to over-exert itself. There are so many ways we can help others get to a place of healing, especially if it's something we already know how to deal with. We need to help others in places that we have expertise, knowledge and experience.
You Don't Need to Rescue... to Rescue
I know that is confusing... I apologize. But think of it this way: You don't need to go do missions to help in the mission field. There are so many other ways to be an advocate, to help people find help, and to give them a way to get resolve.
Some people are called to rescue; yet there are those who are just called to help. That is literally every single other person. The big idea is to help someone, and in turn, to teach them how to help others. It's not enough to expect all the rescuers of the earth to "do their part", even if they are called.
I spend half my time comforting the afflicted, and the other half afflicting the comfortable.
-Wess Stafford, Compassion International
Even rescuers need help. This all doesn't happen with a chosen few. It works because the laboring hands are many and they all play an active, but different role in the big picture. The only way this works is if every single able body and sharp mind creates a way for us to maximize resources, tools and energy to provide a better outcome. This works because you are a part of it. We all get to be part of this narrative of making a better world to enjoy.
Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world...would do this, it would change the earth.
-William Faulkner
How Can WE Do Better
The only way we get better is if we heighten our awareness and take action. In order to do that, you have to find out where you are in all of this first. If you are the one needing rescue: Please find help. If you are able to rescue: Find a way. Better yet, find your way.
The way to move forward is to acknowledge that there is a need, and that you can make plans to head in that direction. For example: look to your community to help with an immediate need. If you like animals, you can start volunteering at a shelter. I have mentioned it before, the Humane Society is a great place to start. You don't have to be into rescuing animals to help them. And if you like people(haha!), you can join a group or start one. If you like both, then the possibilities are pretty much endless for you!
Rescuing is the best thing that we have to offer each other. It's one of the ways that both parties involve can benefit from this life. This simple act is enriching and has the power to change lives for the better, forever. I hope that you seriously consider it if you aren't actively participating in it already.