Lean on Me
In 1972, Bill Withers wrote and recorded a song, Lean On Me, with lyrics that included the words:
Lean on me,
When you’re not strong,
And, I’ll be your friend,
I’ll help you carry on.
I thought of these words recently as several of our friends have experienced great personal pain as a result of life circumstances. One lost her husband after a fairly short illness, another had an unexpected tragedy occur within their family, and another received a very serious health diagnosis.
“Lean on me, when you’re not strong” is what friends do for one another; is what family does for one another. One of my blessings from belonging to St. Stephen’s is the feeling I have of being a part of a family within our community of worshippers. We stand in support of each other when needed, whether it is by sending a condolence card, visiting a shut-in, working in the food pantry to help those less fortunate, helping with tasks that keep the congregation moving forward, supporting the marginalized, welcoming the stranger on Sunday. What a gift it is to be a part of this family.
Bill Withers’ song goes on to say:
For it won’t be long
Til I’m gonna need
Somebody to lean on
I have been there in the past and only God knows when I might be there again, but I feel secure in knowing that I’m a part of a church family that cares.
Further into the song, the lyrics include:
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
Amen!
Bob Linderman
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