Lean On Me

Hello All,

One thing about being homebound, there is a lot of time to listen to music. There will be many songs that will become the anthems of hope during this pandemic – both new and old songs. One of those old songs is my favorite to sing (poorly, I will admit – which is quite evident due to the acoustics in the shower) – “Lean On Me”. (I am sure you just wondered what my second favorite is! Well, that happens to be “Crazy” by Patsy Cline. Bob thinks that title is correctly associated with me!)

“Lean On Me” is even more important to me because Bill Withers, the singer/songwriter, died last week. Bill Withers’ songs were the hallmarks of my late teens and early twenties, the 1970s. (I know – I am old!) “Ain’t No Sunshine”, “Lovely Day”, “Grandma’s Hands”, “Just the Two of Us” – all about the ups and downs of life. Mr. Withers was quoted in Rolling Stone magazine – “I’m not a virtuoso, but I was able to write songs that people could identify with.” And that was just as true in 1970 as it is today. “Lean On Me” is the backdrop for Walmart’s latest commercial, with the employees (both young and old) singing:

“Sometimes in our life we all have pain, we all have sorrow. But if we are wise, we know there’s always tomorrow.

Lean on me when you’re not strong. And I’ll be your friend. I’ll help you carry on me. For it won’t be long, ’til I’m going to need somebody to lean on.”

The song was written about friendship. However, at this religious time of year, it can also be about your faith. I know many are struggling with not being be able to attend services in the usual way. I am so impressed with the leaders of the churches and synagogues who have embraced technology to reach out, sharing their messages of love and hope while keeping people safe. Truly practicing brotherly love. You may not be able to be together in a building, but you will be able to celebrate with love and joy together though physically apart.

No matter what religion or spiritual path you travel, there are visual reminders of faith and hope everywhere. In the flowers and tree buds that are now coming out in full force…..in the sunrise that heralds a new day…..in the good deeds you are witnessing everywhere across the globe …..in the work you are doing…..in the smiles on the faces of the people you love. You have many someones to lean on.

Continue to take care of yourself. Stay healthy. Find some joy in every day. Laugh because it truly does replenish your soul. And if you need me to lean on, reach out.

Be blessed.

Phyl