Leaning – Part 2 of 3

I published part one of this little leaning series on Thursday, June 23rd.

I had decided that there are several areas where leaning is sometimes required and I went ahead and divided my thoughts into three sections. Another area where leaning is beneficial is on one of the most complex and diverse groups ever called “one.” The Body of Christ.

I intended to say “church family,” and then decided otherwise. I hope that you DO have a church family that is worthy of leaning on. I know that I do and I am SO GRATEFUL to every individual I’ve run to shelter beside. I have been at my church for over 14 years and I love her people, her structure, her support and her understanding. I am emboldened by her strength and I am challenged by her truth. I recognize though that there have been several shoulders that have been made available to my tearful face, strong arms that have willingly supported my tottering steps and open ears that have listened to my confused laments that do not attend my church, but are fully functioning within the great menagerie that is the Body of Christ.

Kris and I are currently teaching an adult Sunday school class at our church. We are, in comparison to most of the classes in our church, small in number. Despite that, our class has multiple opportunities to express need. We have organized meals for families that have a new baby, sat beside family members when one member of the family is in surgery, made visits, prayed over the phone, organized showers, sent cards, sent flowers, prayed over jobs and opportunities and made countless phone calls just to check in. Two weekends ago one family had a baby and another couple experienced the loss of a parent. It was a busy week. Those families, couple and individuals who are willing to express their need are prayed over and lifted up without fail. There are those, however, who refuse to lean.

I will never forget the shock and silent frustration Kris and I drove home from church with one Sunday when a couple in our class approached us with news of their all but final divorce. Up until that moment there was nothing obvious about the appearance of their relationship that would have given us rise for concern. They talked, they even smiled and laughed at each other. They sat beside one another in class and his arm usually rested around her shoulders. I had heard her using cutting words toward him at a class event one time and when I approached their care group leader about it, I was assured that it was nothing to worry about. He had spoken to Kris about some frustrations, but nothing to give rise for concern about their relationship. Yet, there they were calmly telling us it was over.

We learned a few things from that experience. One that I want to address here is that leaning will save you from falling if you are trusting the right people. This man had taken advice from others about his relationship that had led him in the wrong direction. Instead of seeking Godly counsel, he had fallen prey to “good counsel,” and it did not measure up. His wife on the other hand had not leaned at all. She spoke to no one about her fears, her frustrations or her pain and took her lumps with what she considered grace, but was only a mask that covered over the destruction playing out inside her.

Leaning will save you from falling if you are trusting the in the right people.

God gave us people. He didn’t expect us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling and all alone. We walk in numbers, brothers and sisters side by side tenderhearted and loving. He expressed to us our obligation to love and to share each others burdens but too many see that as only a one way requirement. We are more than willing to carry a burden for others, but refuse to share our own.

“Me and Jesus” is an admirable stance. “He’s all I need” is still true, but we forget that we can find him in the hearts of those He’s placed around us. I am grateful for the surrounding landscape, the bountiful place that He has set me down. I am secure, not just in the knowledge of His great redemption process building me up daily and allowing me to stand taller every single day. I am also secure in the knowledge of those around me who are under the same process and the same faithful tutelage. I know that they are basking in the same grace as I am and willing to offer support when I find that clouds have covered my view.

My church, my family inside and outside the walls of the building have been there for me. God had placed me at work with The Gideon’ International, surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ during the time of my mother’s sickness and death 10 years ago. God gave me a group of believers who walked with me up, over and through during sorrow, childbirth, hospital stays and sickness. I can remember apologizing over and over for being ill and hearing the laughter of those who I leaned on. Why would you apologize for something you have no control over is what they were saying to me. I have been loved, served, comforted and supported by the people of God and I wonder…how do others make it? I have received FAR more than I’ve given, and yet I find there is no end to the generosity of those who are chasing the heart of God.