Most ot us are not prepared when a sudden catastrophic event or death happens—to friends, or neighbors. Usually, out of human compassion, the immediate response we human beings ask is, “What can I do to help?” Often the answer is so evident that it’s a waste of breath. You simply jump in and give obvious help; put out the fire, drag the person to safety, stop the bleeding—do what’s immediately essential. It is human compassion, action, and wisdom at its best. Although we want to fix or do things, it is important also to “be” —be present; personal care, reassurance.
Saying or doing the right thing is not always obvious—or necessary, especially in the aftermath. A devastating blow–physically or emotionally— needs more than a Band Aid. Often your presence is the only thing a person may need. In many crisis situations, actions—even words—get in the way. I love what the irrepressible Winnie The Poo said; It’s not about what you do, it’s about who you are with; —a powerful reminder of the value of the presence of a person.
Scottish author Gail Honeymanm, wrote, Sometimes you simply needed someone kind to sit with you while you dealt with things. In the midst of an emotional upheaval, your calm, warm, caring presence speaks volumes—an invisible arm reaching out and embracing the troubled soul. It may well be enough. I’m reminded of Bill Withers’ somg, “Lean on Me:” 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. The physical presence of another human being is powerful medicine; It lets you know you are not alone,
From the beginning God knew that the presence of another human being was needed. Although the Good News Translation of the Genesis story is an honest translation, I love the way, Green Pastures, James Weldon Johnson has God speak the need for a Presence.
Then God walked around, /And God looked around /On all that he had made. /He looked at his sun, /And he looked at his moon, /And he looked at his little stars; /He looked on his world /With all its living things, /And God said: “I’m lonely still.” /Then God sat down— /On the side of a hill where he could think; /By a deep, wide river he sat down; /With his head in his hands, /God thought and thought, /Till he thought: “I’ll make me a man!“
And, I don’t think it is too much of a stretch to say Jesus felt a strong need for human presence to accompany his ministry; he chose twelve men,—disciples, we call them—to be present with him during the good, the bad, and the ugly of his brief ministry. A further indication of Jesus’ need for human presence is the often mentioned village of Bethany; it was his “home-away-from-home”—the secure place where he could experience safe—even cozy human friendship with dear friends’ Lazarus, Mary, and the family. Jesus’ final words to his disciples were the assurance that a Holy Presence would be with them.
© Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023