Our Journey to Hope
The intent of this podcast is to offer a variety insights into developing, sustaining, and regaining hope. All of us have the potential to have our hope challenged by life events, or we know someone who's hope is currently being challenged. Please share this with others. Remember, no one walks alone.
The opinions expressed by guests on this podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the host. Guests are encouraged to express their opinions freely in the interest of providing understanding and encouragement to others.
For more information, please visit my website at: https://ourjourneytohope.com/
Our Journey to Hope
Bonus Episode - Just Walk With Me
Sometimes, even with our best intentions, what we offer someone isn't what they need. What they need is to just "walk with me."
I came across this poem sometime back as I journeyed through cancer treatments. I'm so very thankful for the many who did walk with me with abundant love.
The transcript for this poem is included.
One last thing, remember that none of us walk alone as we travel in our journey to hope. Let's be there to walk with someone.
To learn more about hope, please visit my web page at: https://ourjourneytohope.com
You can learn more about hope by visiting my web site: https://ourjourneytohope.com
Please share this podcast with someone who's hope is being challenged. Also, please leave me feedback using the link at the top of the discription.
Just Walk With Me
I have a problem. I want to tell you about it. No, I really don't. I'd rather keep it to myself; Handle it alone. I do think it would be good for me to share it with you though.
I don't want to because I'm afraid of what you'll say or how you'll act.
I'm afraid you might feel sorry for me in a way that makes me feel pathetic; like I'm some "poor thing."
I'm afraid you'll try to cheer me up; that you will give me words, or texts or prayers that tell me in a subtle way to stop feeling bad. If you do that, I'll feel worse (but hide it behind my obedient cheerful smile). I'll feel you don't understand. I'll feel you are making light of my problem (if it can be brushed away with some brief words of cheer).
I'm afraid you'll give me an answer. That this problem I've been wrestling with for some time now & about which I have had endless thoughts will be belittled. "You can answer in a half-minute what I've struggled with for weeks?"
I'm afraid also you might ignore my problem; talk quickly about other things, tell me of your own.
I'm afraid too you might see me stronger than I am. Not needing you to listen & care. (It's true, I can get along alone, but I shouldn't have to.)
What I'd really like is if you would "just walk with me." Listen as I begin in some blundering, clumsy way to break through my fearfulness of being exposed as weak. Hold my hand & pull me gently as I falter & begin to draw back. Say a word, make a motion, or a sound that says, "I'm with you." If you've been where I am, tell me how you felt in a way that I can know you're trying to walk with me – not change me.
But I'm afraid…
You'll think I'm too weak to deserve respect & responsibility…
You'll explain what's happening to me with labels & interpretation…
Or you'll ask me, "What' ya going to do about it?"
PLEASE, just walk with me. All those other things seem so much brighter & sharper, smarter & expert. But what really takes love is to "Just walk with me."
Author Unknown
