Wednesday, January 30, 2013

You asked for it...

About a month ago, I used the following poem that I had written in a sermon.  It apparently struck a chord with many of you and many have asked to have a copy.  So here it is.  I hope it is meaningful for those of you who have requested it.  It was written in the context of what it means to connect to each other in significant ways.


Just Walk With Me...

When I am sick...
Don't tell me how much worse your illness is compared to mine,
Don't pat me on the hand and tell me it's nothing to worry about,
Don't lose patience with me or offer some trivial, meaningless platitude,
Just walk with me.

When I am scared,
Don't tell me that my fears are somehow stupid or irrational,
Don't tell me to just pray or to simply shake it off,
Don't tell me what works for you when you are afraid,
Just walk with me.

When I am young,
Don't treat my thoughts or ideas as though they are without merit or value,
Don't lose patience with my uninformed and yet to be fully educated opinions,
Don't expect me to always behave like an adult,
Just walk with me.

When I am old,
Don't pity my weak limbs, failing mind, or slow gait,
Don't treat me like a child or act as though I am no longer important or relevant,
Don't patronize me or push me to the margins of significance,
Just walk with me.

When I have made my mistakes,
Don't add to the guilt I already feel,
Don't assume I will always be a failure,
Don't shun me or exclude me from your life,
Just walk with me.

When I am discouraged,
Don't act as though I've got some disease and ignore me,
Don't tell me me to simply "cheer up,"
Don't ignore my tears or belittle what I am going through,
Just walk with me. 


Jon R Roebuck
December 2012

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