Several years ago at a Special Olympics in Washington state the contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for their race. At the gun, they all started out with an enthusiasm to run the race to the finish and win.

All, that is, except one boy who stumbled and began to cry. Some of the other runners heard the boy, slowed down and looked back. They turned around and went back. According to one version of the story, a girl with Down's syndrome bent down and kissed him and said, “This will make it better.” These runners then linked arms and walked across the finish line together to the cheers of the spectators.

It is a tough life, and we all need each other to help us finish the race. We all need to lock arms spiritually and help pull one another through those difficult times when we are raging through a storm. Use your gifts, your pain and your trials to reach out to help others.

What is it that will take your mind off your troubles the fastest? Answer: Helping someone else always takes the focus off your own trials. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, New International Version).