Brotherhood

MON., JAN. 30, 1989, 6:38 AM
FARM, STUDY

The word “brotherhood” has an important meaning, but this has been diluted in the current concern for gender identity. So, as I use it this morning I shall tell you that it refers to a close, family-like relationship between and among people, not just between males. Women can certainly be involved in brotherhood, as I am using it here.

Last evening you had a satisfying experience in brotherhood. Some of the people from two churches, one black and one almost all white, came together for an ample meal and a fellowship program. Your minister, My servant Richard, attempted to break the natural segregation that was initially occurring, and he was moderately successful in this. There was interaction and fellowship among people, gathered in My name, Jesus the Christ, that would not normally be. It was a warm, friendly gathering, a step toward brotherhood.

Christians are automatically in a brotherhood. You realize this, and you generally act as though it were so. I encourage this. You should be able to enter into any church or any group that identifies itself as Christian and feel an almost immediate brotherhood. Now I realize such an experience does not generate immediately or even every time, but I want you to expect such and act, personally, as if it were so. Don’t wait for others to show forth brotherhood. Allow them to respond to you.

There is a brotherhood in Christ, and you identified it last evening with that song I suggested. It is important to be identified as a Christian, even as stories of faith journeys are different. Brotherhood means that even though personal faith journeys, or spiritual stories are different, there is a mystical bond that bring you and keeps you together. Cherish this brotherhood, and always act as if it were strongly real and present.

In the afternoon you had another experience in brotherhood, this time with your students and colleagues in health education. Eta Sigma Gamma, your honorary, was presented as a brotherhood, and your song helped make this more so. You know there is a brotherhood in your profession, and this organization helps to make this evident. You haven’t been as active in this as you could be, and I encourage a bit more. You needn’t take any official responsibility, but just be present at all of the meetings and events and display this feeling of brotherhood. This shall benefit your profession, your Department, the students and your colleagues, and, of course, you, yourself. As your song proclaimed “You’ve got to give of yourself ‘fore you’re worthy to receive.”

Know, however, that this works in a wonderfully reciprocal way. If someone else “beats you” to the display of brotherhood, receive it joyfully and thankfully. “It is better to give than to receive” is only a partial truth. It is just as important to respond to the overtures of others. The spirit of giving must be met with the equally warm spirit of receiving. You generally remember this, but I remind you, nevertheless.

And then there is the brotherhood you and I have created, the brotherhood of those who receive and read Our Ruminations. These are mostly Christians, but not all. There are family members, but not all. There are professional colleagues, but not all. It is an interesting amalgam of people with some feel for spiritual matters and at least some willingness to accept that you and I have a communicative relationship. Don’t fret. I shall soon offer you the theme for the next one, but your Christmas letter should come first. This goes to yet another brotherhood.

This next month you shall gather with a group of men for a day of spiritual brotherhood, potentially. Contribute as you can to that, and be attentive, for your reasons for being there may well include learning. Next month you shall be featured in a loose brotherhood of spiritual seekers, and again I want you to show forth the spirit that I have helped develop. Yes, you may want to revive that song that tells, in a unique way, of supreme brotherhood.