Monday, October 15, 2012

you are not alone

the other day i was hanging with a friend at a local establishment. we were talking about life and he started sharing his recent struggles: marriage, job, relationships, faith.

he's going through a lot. and honestly, i was in over my head. i had no clue what to say, where to start, how to offer hope.

it's part of my job. this idea of listening to people and helping them through life. i love it. but, honestly, i had no clue.

i said a quick prayer as he talked and asked god for some wisdom and guidance. for something to say. some way to offer my friend a sense of hope.

i felt like praying helped but i was still at a loss for words. so, i continued to sit and listen to my friend.

divorce.
new career.
hate.
doubt.

and a couple minutes later, the song "timshel" by mumford and sons came playing through the speakers. i thought it a bit coincidental. and perfect.



so, that's where i started. i offered this piece of hope to my friend:

"you are not alone in this, i've got your back. and more then that, god is with you."

he lost it. he cried. right there at our table.

it didn't solve all his problems...he's still facing them. but after the tears dried...he had a sense of hope.

you see, that's what every one of us needs. a sense of hope...that we're not alone. that someone is willing to hold our hand through the good times and the bad. that someone is willing to love us in the midst of our struggles. when they can't see the light...they're still loved.

may we all look to our left and right and may we look for someone who just needs a friend. who needs a hand to hold. who needs to feel loved. may we be like jesus.

12 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. thanks chels...hug your hubby and pups for me, please!

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  2. Stumbled across your blog-- very glad I did. Good read/good reminder. Motivated me to work on my own! :)

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    1. thanks marin, glad you found it...i appreciate you reading!!

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  3. Maybe this was also God's way of reminding you that YOU are not alone in your role as pastor/counselor/friend. God is with your friend in all of his struggles, and also with you as you help your friend. Comforting thought when you don't always know what to do or say, right?

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    Replies
    1. so true...learning that in more then one way right now. thanks for your comment!

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  4. You are so wonderful my dear friend...your blog always seems to touch and amaze me! Hope all is well!

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    1. thanks, miss. i hope you and your family are doing great!

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  5. I love your blogs bud, keep them coming!

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