We’ve All Been There

In Charles Schulz’s PEANUTS cartoon, Peppermint Patty and Charlie Brown are gazing over the top of a wall. Both look quite depressed. Patty says, “I need to talk to someone who knows what it’s like to feel like a fool, someone who knows what it’s like to be humiliated, someone who’s been disgraced, beaten, and degraded….someone who’s been there….” In the last frame, there are no words. Charlie Brown simply turns to Patty, arms outstretched.

We’ve all been there.

Every one of us has moments when we’ve needed someone to sympathize with us. Everyone needs someone to be near in moments of pain and struggle. They don’t necessarily need a sermon, or advice, or wise words. They just need someone to be with – a warm hug, a listening ear, a caring heart.

I hope you can be that someone for someone else – a friend, a neighbor, a loved one, a stranger. When we open our hearts to others in love, we receive way more than we give. Just think about Charlie Brown.

Let us pray: Giver of Hope, we thank you that we do not walk alone. We thank you that we don’t have to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. We thank you that we can cast your care on you and depend on you. We also thank you today for the gift of the faith community – others who are there to walk beside us. We pray today for all those who are desperately in need of your grace – and your presence. We pray in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.