Lean on Me

I’m so very grateful for my friends and family who have lifted me in prayer this past year. Especially for those close friends with whom I shared the deepest pain and sorrow I was feeling; without them I would have been more lost than I can imagine. Recently the lyrics of a song from 1972 floated into my brain – perhaps you’re familiar with it. Bill Withers wrote “Lean on Me” during a time in his life when he was missing his hometown and family. Simple lyrics that express so much.

“Sometimes in our lives
We all have pain
We all have sorrow

But if we are wise
We know that there’s always tomorrow

Lean on me
When you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on…

For it won’t be long
Till I’m gonna need somebody to lean on

Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow

For no one can fill
Those of your needs that you won’t let show

You just call on me brother when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on

I just might have a problem that you’ll understand
We all need somebody to lean on

Lean on me
When you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on…

For it won’t be long
Till I’m gonna need somebody to lean on

You just call on me brother
When you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on

I just might have a problem that you’ll understand
We all need somebody to lean on

If there is a load you have to bear
That you can’t carry

I’m right up the road
I’ll share your load
If you just call me”

When my father was diagnosed with cancer last year my world came crushing in on me. I had never imagined life without his presence, life without the ability to say, “Hey Dad, what do you think of this?” Life without his beautiful smile and his gentle personality. I was so blessed to be able to help Dad during that journey, to be there for him like he had been for me throughout my life. I’ll never forget the last words he said to me before he fell asleep that last time. “I love you too, hon.” I will carry them in my heart for the rest of my days.

I needed my friends during this journey, and I called on them so many times! They listened, they prayed, they shared scripture….they were my strength. I’m certain I was a better help to my parents because I didn’t carry this pain alone.

Please call on the strength of your friends when you need help with that load you bear. Lay your burdens at the feet of Jesus. Don’t be too proud or too stubborn to ask for help. Your journey will be so much easier if you travel through the valley with a friend.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26