He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother

I have got to share a story with you. My mom just this morning pulled some books for me from her eclectic collection of paperbacks that she thought I might like. Apparently my writing reminds her of a specific author, but you know, “it could use some work.” I don't doubt that. She recommended one book, and I began reading it this afternoon. It’s the story of a man on a journey through the darkness of depression, and the commentary of his experience in a psychiatric ward really spoke to my heart. I have friends who are…going through some stuff, shall we say. And, having just been through some stuff myself, although nothing nearly as dark as this author’s journey, I understand a little bit better, and my desire is to stand with them, in encouragement, support, intercession, however I can. And I also have friends on the other side who are standing with their friends who are struggling in the same manner.

So, if you’re in the first boat and have some “stuff” going on, be encouraged: you are not alone. Even if it looks like no one is standing with you, I bet there is. In fact I know One who is absolutely fighting for you. And if you’re in the second boat, be encouraged. Your fight for your friend(s) definitely makes a difference.

We are one Body, so as Paul wrote, let us “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ,” (Galatians 6:2). Which law is that? The law of Love.

“In the dark days when Christ came to me as I lay there on my mat in the glare of the brake lights—or was it in the dust, begging alms at the city gate, or beside the pool whose waters promised healing if only I could reach them in time, or along the road where one could make mud for the eyes from spittle and dirt, or on the road to Mary and Martha’s house, where the crowd jockeyed for position and a good seat, or in the tomb with Lazarus himself, wrapped in bandages, beginning to rot, alone in the dark—on the day when Christ said to me, “Do you want to be healed?” it was Norma who kept saying yes, not me. I was too tired, too ill, too afraid, too uncertain, too ready to die. It was Norma and my sister and my friends and a couple dozen strangers who took me to the Healer.

     “'Your faith has made you whole,' said Jesus to one He had healed. In fact, in many cases [ex. Mark 2:5-12] it was the faith of those who came running through the town to tell the cripple that the Healer was nearby and convinced him that it was worth the effort to try and get there. It was the faith of those who carried the litter, pushed through the crowd, tore off the roof tiles, lifted the litter, struggled across the roof in the sun, lowered the rope, and ran downstairs to tell Jesus that the man who was coming through the roof was ready to be healed, whether the man knew it or not. It was their faith, or hope or desire or concern or wild dream or crazy idea, or something. In the end, it was their love for the cripple that made him whole."

--Robert Benson, Between the Dreaming and the Coming True

I have a friend, a brother I love dearly. That boy is 200lbs and one day, he jumped on my back. I was shocked I didn't immediately fall over. But, silly me, I tried to walk. I couldn't even take one step. Literally, not one step. But this, I can do. In Christ Jesus, I am strong enough for this. It may be a long road, but you know, the load doesn't weigh me down, 'cause he's my brother.
 

          "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother"

The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where
Who knows when
But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

So on we go
His welfare is of my concern
No burden is he to bear
We'll get there
For I know
He would not encumber me
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

If I'm laden at all
I'm laden with sadness
That everyone's heart
Isn't filled with the gladness
Of love for one another

It's a long, long road
From which there is no return
While we're on the way to there
Why not share
And the load
Doesn't weigh me down at all
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

He's my brother
He ain't heavy, he's my brother...

 
He Ain't Heavy... (The Hollies)

Our God is fighting for us always! Open Up Our Eyes (Elevation)