Theme: Empathy
Scripture: Hebrews 2:18 The New Revised Standard Version
Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.
Devotional:
"Lean on me, Dawnn, lean on me."
I couldn't catch my breath. The tears gathered in my eyes prevented me from being able to see who was talking, but I knew and was keenly aware that my spouse was whispering those words to me as we stood waiting to enter the sanctuary for my brother's celebration of life after he died.
This was one of the hardest times of my life. My brother, one of my closest friends despite our nine-year age difference was no longer with us. I wasn't quite sure that my legs would continue to prop me up or that I had the strength to walk the aisle to sit down.
Lean on me. These words offer me comfort even now when I am nearly two years removed from this day. For some, the words lean on me is a command. It is a promise that even if you *can't stand, you are supported. And in a moment of fear, disorientation, or extreme grief, the promise of support is necessary.
As an empath, or one who feels deeply the pain of others, I am often the one whispering to another, "lean on me." Honestly, as many times as I have said it, I don't think I have ever estimated the impact of what hearing those words could be for someone. Until I heard them that day.
Lean on me. How many times do you think we are prompted by Spirit to "lean on me" and we don't? And it makes some sense actually. It is difficult to surrender, lean in or lean on anything or anyone. Some of us lead such a life of independence that the idea of "leaning on someone," feeling supported in the weak times, or receiving the promise of support feels foreign.
As I sit in reflection today, mostly reflecting about the things happening in my personal orbit; pondering the things I am discerning and wondering where God is in it all, I am compelled to lean on the folks who have most recently beckoned me toward them. I asked God to reveal me to me in this Lenten season. And I have seen some of the areas where my faith is challenged, weak even and God is asking me to "lean." More, God has sent people to me who have extended an invitation for me to lean.
Admittedly, for my type A, first born, exceptional and gifted child brain, the command to "lean on me" feels scary. I can figure things out myself because I have been doing it for years. I can. And still God speaks...
Lean on me.
Recalling how safe and supported I felt when my spouse whispered those words two years ago, I am compelled to try (God) again.
I think I will.
Prayer:
God, help me to lean on you. Call me toward it one more time, please. Remind me that I am safe, supported, and secure if I would only lean. And when I forget to lean, remind me quickly. Bring to my remembrance the comfort I feel when I lean. Help me to see where I could stand to "lean on" even more. I trust you, God.
Reflection Questions:
In what areas are *you being invited to lean in? What has God asked you to lay down and trust God for support? Are you the person that is often leaned on? How has someone's support and invitation to "lean on me" impacted you?
My personal path, now to have come to be in this moment, an unforeseen moment. Seemingly everything, all of which has slowly caused me to allow myself to see, again live, believe “lean on’s” are real.
ReplyDeleteHistorically yes, abrupt situations, valid reasons, with all oftentimes knocking the wind out of me, so much so that while I stumbled down the proverbial street, exhausted, looking in every direction, for some kind of “lean on me”, well, just resently accepted that I’d learned to stop looking, why bother, heartbreaking to say the least.
Seasons…the shift, suddenly, from very unexpected sources, “real, lean on me” moments have presented, with follow through.
Such has caused me to slowly calm, allowing me to “relearn” to “lean on, grateful. To come to see, again walk “leaning on, being leaned on” what might be considered the “wholeness” of living life…. Seasons of self-regeneration, grateful, my oh my.
My journey has been a challenge for quite some time. I know that God helps me through my challenges and I know he communicates with me probably everyday but sometimes I get so wrapped up in my depression or frustration or whatever the mood is that day to hear him.
ReplyDeleteBut then there are days when I’m struggling and I question why God would even want to deal with me every day. Why should I expect God to do so? God has had to put up with me for so long. Surely he must be tired of me. I’m “high maintenance”. Either my anxiety is up, my depression is up, I have PTSD that flares up…There are so many people that need God and sometimes I feel like I just take up his time-I realize that’s an “Earthly” thought and God’s time isn’t like ours but I just picture God saying “again?”