There has been much in the news about men in high positions who have abused their power by taking advantage of women, anywhere from exercising poor judgement about sexual advancements to criminal molestation and rape. It is as if the stars have taken a turn and what has occurred behind closed doors has now come into the open.
After Cain murdered his brother Able, he infamously said to God when he was asked about Able, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9) The answer is, “Yes, of course you are!” Not only do you not murder your brother out of jealousy, but you are here to positively love and care for him. And for the one who parses words may ask, “Who is my brother?” The same question was put to Jesus when he was asked, “Who is my neighbor?” The Master answered that question by relating a story about the good Samaritan. The hero in the story, a man from Samaria, stopped to help a hurt man on the side of the road after a priest and Levite had passed him by (both were considered holy men by birth). Remembering that Samaritans were considered untouchable by those in Jesus’ audience, it was just such an unlikely fellow who rendered assistance to the stranger. The moral of the story; all humanity are our neighbors and our brothers. (Luke 10:29)
This applies to our sisters as well. Mother Hamilton loved the differences between the sexes, and she emphasized with us the proper relationship between the two. Some thought Mother was not with the times; however, great principles prove themselves to be timeless. We collectively suffer when true principles are trampled, we are all affected when any one of our sisters are treated with disrespect—her inner qualities not seen or even looked for.
I am sure many of us have had moments when we were not at our best in how we have treated one another. However, let us learn from our mistakes and strive to do better. Remember, nothing is done in secret that will not be shouted from the rooftops! Let us be our brother’s and our sister’s keepers; to support one another in bringing out the best in one another. Our time here is short, but we are accountable for what we do, so let us do right at all times and in all places; and more than that, see all others in their true essence, as beings of Divine origins, and to be respected as such.