Today I was so humbled. This morning I met with a dear friend for coffee, who has been walking a very difficult path. By the time we were done talking, she looked at me and thanked me for the surprising time of “nestling in”. What a beautiful way to describe two hearts, which for a few precious moments were able to make a deep connection.
When we make space in our lives to simply sit and listen to each other, and share our joys and sorrows, we are on holy ground. And for that time spent together, both lives will be forever impacted. We will always have that precious time well spent.
I guess that’s why I started this blog. Because I understand, in part, how our lives can impact one another’s. My prayer is that somehow the words that I share – along with the music, the art, and especially God’s Word – will have a healing effect. Perhaps even life transformation will occur, as we listen to the Father whisper His heart to us. And who knows, maybe we’ll even have a laugh or two:)
I heard this song written by Nicole Nordeman awhile back, and it is hauntingly beautiful. It describes the relationship of Naomi and Ruth. Each woman has lost her husband, yet Naomi has lost both of her sons as well. And in that deep, seemingly bottomless well of pain, Naomi becomes depressed and bitter. She even tells Ruth and her other daughter-in-law to leave her, and to go find new husbands; to make a life for themselves.
Yet Ruth not only refuses to leave her, she also makes a pledge to her mother-in-law; one that has stood out from the Scriptures for thousands of years. “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16
This promise is almost a little intimidating to me, when I try to relate it to us, today. Yet even though I believe we must be careful about the promises we make to one another, and also very careful not to rescue someone, still I believe there are times when we will be called to come alongside someone who is deeply wounded. To let them know that they’re not alone. Probably not to the extent of this relationship, where there is a pledge made for life, but sometimes even just a phone call, a card sent, or time spent over a cup of coffee, can bring a bit of light into a dark place.
In another sense though, I also believe an even deeper truth lies within this song; that there is One who will never leave us or forsake us. In the end, Jesus is the one we must cling to and depend upon. All others will fail us at times.
I hope you enjoy this song, sung by Nicole Nordeman and Amy Grant, “I’m with You”
