Reach out

Now if you feel that you can’t go on
Because all of your hope is gone,
And your life is filled with much confusion
Until happiness is just an illusion,

The Four Tops song…

Claire’s grieving. Her husband, mother, and two other close relatives have died:

I didn’t realise I was required to be over it… When was I supposed to be over their death? … When was the moment I was supposed to move on? … When did my grief matter less? Because my loss and grief still feel the same to me.

George, living on his own, fell off a ladder sustaining significant injuries. Alan can’t visit wife in hospital, critically ill with cancer. Steve has been ‘dumped’ by the girl he loves.

Chatting recently to Claire’s friend, George, Alan and Steve – grief and pain can isolate us.

The Four Tops:

Reach out…
I’ll be there, with a love that will shelter you.
I’ll be there, with a love that will see you through.

The answer to lost hope, confused life and illusory hope? Reach out… to others… to God…

Jesus’ ‘Love your neighbour’ isn’t just a good idea or a difficult command. It directs us to live the way we were made – reaching out in love.

From hospital last week Kim wrote: I am forever thankful for all you … that held me up in prayer and sent me well wishes…

I’m lucky I’m alive. I shouldn’t be, but by the grace of god I am. He doesn’t promise no tough times but he does promise to be by our side and to love us unconditionally. Without that love I wouldn’t be here. I love you all, guys, and am so blessed to call you friends.

Reach out…
I’ll be there, to love and comfort you,
And I’ll be there, to cherish and care for you…

Ref:

‘Reach out (I’ll be there)’ recorded by the Four Tops (1967) written by Holland, Dozier and Holland

Claire, George, Alan, Steve – real people, not real names: Kim is Kim. She has been in and out of hospital for many years.