No One Stands Alone

When I was in seminary I developed a friendship with one of my professors.  He was a great guy but he went through a tough season in life that left him spiraling into a serious, deep depression.  We would talk about what was going on and I would try my best to encourage him but the darkness kept reaching out and grabbing hold of his heart and soul.

One cold, blustery Chicago Saturday I felt I needed to drive the 30 miles to his house to go see him.  It was just one of those Holy Spirit moments that I said “yes” to.  When I arrived at his house and knocked on the door, his wife answered and told me that he really didn’t want to see anyone.  For some reason - probably had something to do with that 30 miles I had just come - I said “That’s OK, I want to see him.”, and I brushed past her and found him in the basement of the house.  I don’t remember what the conversation was.  I think it was mostly silence.  But I sat with my friend, listened a lot, talked a little.

Later on we talked about that day.  It was a pivotal day for him because I showed I cared.  I wouldn’t let his wife stand in the way (literally!) of reaching out to him and just being with him.  He knew at that point that he didn’t stand alone, he had someone on his side.

There are too many of us standing alone.

We are going to take the next few weeks and delve into what it means to be a community of faith.  Through the wisdom of 1 John I want us to see that if we are living biblically, No One Stands Alone.

That phrase is what I dream will be descriptive of Cold Springs Community Church – that everyone will be loved and cared for.  We aren’t there yet, we have a bunch of work to do.  I also dream it will be prescriptive for Cold Springs Community Church – we will each take to heart our responsibility to experience Biblical community – we all would have a heart that no one will stand alone.

Here is a way to begin living that out in a small way.  Don’t let anyone sit alone.  When you come to church (Cold Springs or any other church, for that matter), forget about sitting in your favorite, comfortable spot.  Look to see if anyone is sitting alone, go sit by them and say Hi to them.  It is a small thing.  Small things make big impact.

Will you join me in seeing that no one stands alone?  I really need you to stand with me.

Standing with you.

David