Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. (Philippians 2:3)

Although the North American Indians had no written alphabet before they met the white man, their language was anything but primitive. The vocabulary of many Indian languages was as large as that of their French and English conquerors. Often their expressions were far more eloquent. In an Indian tongue, for example, the concept for the word “friend” is beautifully stated as “one-who-carries-my-sorrow-on-his-back.”

A friend or family member who comes to you for solace...or even claiming to seek advice...very often wants nothing more than your presence, your listening ear, and your quiet caring of sorrows. A young man discovered that shortly after his marriage. His wife frequently came home from her job telling him of the woes of her day. His response was to offer suggestions and give solutions. His wife finally said to him, “I’ve already solved the problems of today.” Perplexed, the husband asked, “Then why are you telling me all this?” She replied, “I don’t need Mr. Fixit. I need a loving ear.”

The friend who provides both physical and emotional shelter is a true haven, one who helps another to weather the storms of life safely.

God of love and mercy, help us to be the support and loving ear for our friends and loved ones!