There are times when I just need someone to listen to me, without giving me advice or telling me I am wrong. My wife is one of those people in my life who listens to my words, and she still loves me these past 50 years we have been married. She knows the way I am wired and that I process my thoughts aloud. Those of us like this need to allow our thoughts and words to just come out sometimes to help clarify our feelings. I have other friends that come alongside me when I am troubled and discouraged. We all need friends like this.
Just walk alongside people and enter their lives. Listen. Talk. Laugh. Cry. Find out where you can contribute and what you can learn. There is something to give and something to receive in every relationship.
Years ago, I heard a story about one of our former President’s and thought it was worth sharing.
One night in June 1944, General Dwight Eisenhower walked the beaches of England, alone with his thoughts. Occasionally he would stop and stare across the dark waters of the English Channel, toward the coast of France where the Nazi armies had built a military fortress. The next dawn would see hundreds of allied ships and thousands of soldiers’ storm that coast, and General Eisenhower knew that for many of these soldiers it would be their last morning. 2499 American soldiers and 1915 Allied soldiers lost their life on June 6th the next morning.
As he walked along, he came across an American private, standing by himself, also staring across the ocean. The General asked him about what he was thinking. “Home” came the reply. Then the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces suggested they walk together, that they would draw confidence from each other’s company. So, the two men walked on – one older, one younger, one experienced in the ways of war, the other inexperienced –but each man drawing strength from the other.
This is exactly what people need today – others to walk with them offering wisdom and encouragement particularly in challenging times.
Our world is in turmoil. People are losing their joy, some physically tired, emotionally drained and overwhelmed with grief.
People need others to draw close and having someone to listen, sometimes not saying much, but just being alongside to point us to Jesus by their example is all we need.
In times like this we need more than ever to be reminded of some guiding principles about the “one another’s” of the Bible. There are fifty-nine examples in the Bible. Here are a few that stand out to me in these times in which we are living,
Serve one another.
Respect one another.
Honor one another.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
Live in Harmony with one another.
Accept one another, just as Christ accepted you.
Instruct one another.
Carry one another’s burdens.
Speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
Be kind and considerate of one another.
Encourage one another.
I am so thankful for all those who are serving others with a sense of integrity and honor and genuine care. Those in politics, healthcare, military, police, teachers, customer service professionals, career transition assistance coaches and so many others.
Studies have shown that encouraging words can help people who have lost their jobs, patients that are dealing with health issues recuperate faster.
It takes courage and intention to come alongside someone at times like this.
Proverbs 16;24 says, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Let us go about our days with gracious and healing words.
One of the major reasons I love what Career Development Partners does is to come alongside people who are laid off from their job. Companies hire us to come alongside people that are in a career transition. I feel blessed to be a part of their lives during this time.