On DIY SOS last night Nick and the team helped a family in Kidderminster. The BBC explains:
‘…The 11-year-old (Nathan) can have up to 200 seizures a day and needs round-the-clock care, leaving parents John and Emma exhausted. Meanwhile, teenage sister Kira has seen more and more of her home taken over by Nathan’s needs…’
Hundreds of volunteers transformed their home, giving Nathan safety and the whole family the space to live together. Nick concluded the programme saying: ‘People are out there who will help each other… That’s the way communities should work.’
He’s saying ‘You are not alone; there are people out there who care.’ I believe he’s right. There are many good, compassionate people who look out for those they care about – and even those they don’t know…
Sadly, that’s not what everybody feels. Recent conversations have included teenagers stressed by imminent exams… young people leaving home… single parents with young children… full-time carers of sick spouses… folks living with bereavement… People feeling lonely and alone.
Michael Jackson sung:
You are not alone
I am here with you
Though you’re far away
I am here to stay
But you are not alone
I am here with you
Though we’re far apart
You’re always in my heart
He’s describing the pain of separation, that can feel empty, cold and lonely… but also an emotional and spiritual connection that goes beyond physical distance.
This morning, reading Jesus final words to his disciples… He was going to leave them, but wouldn’t leave them alone. He promises His Spirit to be with them guiding, comforting and bring peace.
God said to Moses: ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.’ (Deuteronomy 31:6)
…And to Joshua: ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’ (Joshua 1:9)
And to me today: ‘You are not alone.’
