Share And Share Alike, Tested And Trusted – Connection Creator

Share Alike For Life

For many of our ancestors, famine was all to common and deadly. To live, families had to work together, and often, neighbors would share alike. Life was hard, but love was shared.

When sharing alike, you share in a reciprocal way. One does a good turn which is then returned. It may seem silly to some, but when you stand in need of something, to receive because someone would share from their lack is humbling. To give something that your neighbor needs may be returning the favor, but it is also charity. It is not the same as bartering. It is freely giving without any expectation of return, but it is also a knowledge that what you need will come to you in that desperate hour.

Where Are We Today?

Many people might say that we have lost this in our societies. No one knows their neighbors.

There is some truth to that. However, that is not the only truth. Though there may be places where no one knows their neighbors, there are plenty of places where they do. There are also plenty of people who recognize their neighbor in the moment. Caring people help those around them in their moment of need.

How Do You Share?

Just as your ancestors might have given some bread, potatoes, or milk, we can give today as well. There will be times that you can share a meal, a snack, or a gallon of milk.

What else might you share? Yesterday I helped someone I met who was upset over a statement she heard in a training we attended. She asked if she could explain her opinion on the statement. It was harsh and full of pain. She wasn’t mad at me, or the trainer, but she wanted to express that she knew the statement was incorrect.

As I listened, I saw the flaw in her assessment. I did not harshly accuse her. Instead, I shared another perspective. She listened and gained an insight. I continued to share the understanding I had and helped her to see other alternatives to her perception of failure. She came to understand the value of the mistakes that had been a part of her life. She began to appreciate them and felt uplifted. In the end, she asked how much she should pay me for the mentoring I had given her. She wanted to reciprocate.

If you are struggling to see how your relationships with your family have value. When you contemplate the suffering of your ancestors and come up confused, consider looking for some help. Give them the benefit of the doubt. Consider a mentor. I can help you to see other possibilities. There can be healing.

Mark Fincher
Chief Mentor and Trainer
Living Tree Connections