If I asked you who are the needy, I’m confident I would hear about individuals who need shelter, water, food, and clothing. We also have a tendency to categorize this group of people as people living in poverty or the poor. This is not necessarily an incorrect definition, but there are many other things people can be poor in or lacking.
Merriam Webster dictionary defines poverty as 1a: the state of one who lacks a usual or socially acceptable amount of money or material possessions b: renunciation as a member of a religious order of the right as an individual to own property 2: SCARCITY, DEARTH 3a: debility due to malnutrition b: lack of fertility.
With the state our current world is in many have found themselves in isolation for various reasons and in the process may have lost friends. Others may lack a community to belong to while others still may lack an opportunity to take some alone time. Some may be dealing with grief and / or depression while others may feel alone with no one to talk to. Some may have burdens too heavy to carry alone and are in need of a friend. There may be first time parents, parents of children with disabilities, parents of teenager, teenage parents, long time parents, or those questioning whether or not become a parent and whether or not to end a pregnancy early or see it all the way through. In each scenario each parent might appreciate some help, or maybe they are a single parent who can’t afford childcare or someone who is working multiple jobs and a day off seems far off or the cost to take a day off is too high. Maybe someone needs someone to pray with them or for them. Maybe someone is angry and needs a positive outlet that you are able to provide, maybe there is someone that needs help learning to read, or computer skills, how to write a resume, or fill out a job application, or other life skills. Maybe someone is struggling with an addiction and you understand their battle and can be a help. Maybe someone is going through a separation, divorce, or child custody battle and need a friend that will simply listen. The maybe’s can go on and on. We have all been poor at some point in life in a particular area of our lives and we all have needs.
If you are experiencing any of the above or something else, please reach out to us. We would like to be a help. If we are not the help you need we will do our best to connect you with someone who can. Show us how to be your friend, Proverbs 18:24).
The human race was not designed to live a life of solitude or carried out on our own, (Genesis 2:18). We are called to be a help to one another, (Hebrews 13:16). We are called to encourage one another. We are called to share our burdens and our joys, (Galatians 6:2, Nehemiah 8:10). I think if we lived out the song lyrics to, “Lean On Me,” written and sang by Bill Withers the state of one who lacks a usual or socially acceptable amount of money or material possessions would be irrelevant or at the very least look very different, (Matthew 11:28-30).
The lyrics are as follows:
Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there’s always tomorrow
Lean on me, when you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on
For it won’t be long
‘Til I’m gonna need
Somebody to lean on
Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you won’t let show
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
Lean on me, when you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on
For it won’t be long
‘Til I’m gonna need
Somebody to lean on
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
If there is a load you have to bear
That you can’t carry
I’m right up the road
I’ll share your load
If you just call me (call me)
If you need a friend (call me) call me uh huh (call me) if you need a friend (call me)
If you ever need a friend (call me)
Call me (call me) call me (call me) call me
(Call me) call me (call me) if you need a friend
(Call me) call me (call me) call me (call me) call me (call me) call me (call me)
The Mercy Table 