A good wisdom nugget someone dropped in my lap a while back was this:
Not all help is helpful.
There was a narrative of history that made things simple to understand in the formative stages of learning history. That narrative went as follows: a few hundred years ago the monarch received requests from intrepid explorers to go into new worlds. The monarch would thus commission them on behalf of the nation to go on these travels to see what they could find and return with their reports. Those brave and intrepid explorers would endure many slings and arrows of misfortune. On the seas they would have the elements crashing and bashing their ships as well as the sinister pirate forces looking to ravage their sail. Then when they arrived on the new lands there were the great riches and treasures to be found. As well as the alien contingent who were already on the land who needed to adapt the ways of these considered, brave and intrepid explorers. So by their approach the great cultural exchange was made where they would implant their civilised and advanced methods on the new land and they would be able to transport some of the land’s treasures back home.
This is a narrative of history intended to help. It keeps things simple. There are the good guys, there are the bad guys and there are guys who need to made good by the good guys.
Of course when we look a little further into that narrative it does not prove to be a helfpul one. Indeed elements of that reading of history are problematic … unless you’re willing to take it on as something that is as it appears and is perfectly fine for what it is. To adopt that in that fashion requires a resolve and a focus that ignores crucial factors that really can be helpful for a a fairer reading.
That’s history.
In the present there are approaches made that are portrayed as helpful. Financial support, career advice, relationship guidance, etc. On the surface they can paint the picture in a similarly simple way. They are the good guys, overcoming the bad guys in a bid to help you become just like them – a good guy. Services being provided in that bid to ‘add value’ to your life.
The thing to be aware of with these is considering a bit further than the surface. Considering what makes for what is right, just and fair. Considering what aligns with the path set for you and if that which is offered actually helps that, or turns out with something distorted from that focus.
It’s worth taking the time to check the help, exactly because of that nugget of wisdom.
Not all help is helpful.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 