An Advocate Awaits

I’ve been reminded lately how important it is to have people on our team. People who will stand up for us. Be our advocate. Be our strength. People who will not just watch, but instead sit in our tensions and carry the weight. People who will not just call out “I’m thinking of you!” when we’re in sinking sand. But will rather jump in, get dirty, and grab our hands. 

It grieves me to know that there are a lot of people out there who are fighting battles alone. You may be one of them. Wrestling by yourself, being crushed by the weight of what you’re facing. I know that it may be scary or hard to bring something out into the light. To tell someone else the truth: that you’re far from alright. 

Do you know what thrives there, in the darkness? Pain and shame. Guilt. Loneliness. Depression. Anxiety. Fear and hopelessness. But there is hope, there is freedom, from all of these things, when they’re brought out into the light. 

If you find yourself in that place today, I want you to know there are advocates for you too. People who will go to bat, people who will look after you. There are people who want to help, who will stand firm next to you. You are not alone — that is the truth.

And if you find yourself on the other end — as a family member, a friend, a co-worker, or a neighbor — you too, have an important role to play. To show up and truly love others cannot be done just in word and talk, but rather in deed and truth. To love not just with empty words, but with action. With sacrifice. With time, commitment, showing deep and tender care.

There will come a time when you need an advocate on your side. And there will come a time when you need to be an advocate for others too. This is not a burden, there is no shame. This is the way we were designed to love: holding each other up, lending a hand. Showing true support, being a faithful friend.