Reading Time: 2 minutes

When we listen to someone speak, we engage with their story, whether that story is amusing, sad, inspiring, or all of these. By listening we can acknowledge the value of both the story and storyteller. 

Earlier this summer, I met with RJ, who told me part of his story. He talked about being in prison and feeling alone. He described how much it meant to meet regularly with his mentor, Gary Kitchen, whom RJ saw as an older brother and a vital connection to the outside world. 

“With Gary sitting across from me,” RJ said, “I was no longer a number. I was a human being. I had a name.” 

Last Friday, Gary passed away. He was 83. 

When I spoke to Gary in July, he told me he felt good that things were going well for RJ. He was thankful for the relationship they had built over the years. 

Gary’s death is sad. His legacy, though, is inspiring. Consider the faithfulness Gary showed to RJ, how he visited him in prison every month. Sometimes he shared his own stories with RJ. Other times he listened.

In Psalm 116:1-2, David praises God for listening—for hearing his cry for mercy. God listens and earns David’s loyalty. David feels understood by God. By turning his ear to David, God builds trust. He shows commitment. 

I love the Lord, for he heard my voice

he heard my cry for mercy.

Because he turned his ear to me,

I will call on him as long as I live.

What if we listened as God listens? What value could we impart to others? What respect could we show? What sort of connections could we create in our communities? I imagine there would be no limit. 

This month, I invite you to join us in prayer. Here’s a link to our September prayer calendar.

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