Shoulders

Hannah King received devastating news at age eleven.

Her father had terminal cancer.

In the devastating circumstances, she also received a blessing. Adults around her took her for their own.

She spent time in homes while her parents travelled for medical treatments. When her father died, a church rented a former preacher’s home for them after the bank foreclosed on the family’s home. People left clothes on the front porch, and one tutored Hannah so she would not fail 9th grade. She stayed with her until she went to college.

Hannah believes she remains faithful today because Christians stepped into the gap. Their heartfelt giving without bounds gave her a life when life took her father from her.

Several shoulders shared her burden.

Yet, that’s what the church is. It is not a cold institution that charts contribution trends and attendance numbers. It is about flesh-and-blood people who care for flesh-and-blood people.

Paul would capture it in a single phrase.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15, ESV)

When you need a shoulder to cry on or a shoulder to carry a burden, the church is there.

Is your shoulder available?