The word Enable carries several connotations that are somewhat misconstrued from its original definition. According to Merriam Webster and Dictionary.com, the word, “enable” means to make something possible for someone else (in layman’s terms). Webster says “to provide with the means or opportunity.” Dictionary.com says that “enable” means “to give power, means, competence, or ability.” In the original definition, the word implies that the person being enabled or helped has already developed some training or development that allows them to be enabled by another or a program.
As a church body, we had the opportunity to enable one of our widowed members to sell her home and find another reasonable dwelling for herself that would meet her monthly income. It took at least 50 members of our church to contribute their time, their talents, and sometimes their financial abilities to enable this widow to find a new home after her husband had passed away.
However, this woman was involved to the best of her ability to contribute her efforts in the transformation of her life. Many of her personal belongings had to be sold or given away. Along with the help of her church community, this woman made these difficult decisions which emphasized her state of widowhood. But she was part of the process.
I believe to “enable” anyone, there needs to exist cooperation, preparation, or some form of training to accomplish the end result of what they are gaining. To “enable” someone to succeed or move on with their life to the next stage, whatever that might be, does not align with freely giving them their next opportunity. According to the dictionary definitions, this would be considered “enabling” a person which hinders their ability to succeed and survive at the next step in their life.

This post is a writing exercise to express your thoughts in Five Minutes on a word prompt provided by the host. This link, “Five-Minute Friday,” is hosted by Kate Motaung.

From My Heart to Yours,
Janis Van Keuren