Lean On Me

Musician Bill Withers died yesterday.  For some of us, it feels like the passing of a very special era in music.  Others may not be famliar with Withers at all.  Until I say:  "Bill Withers wrote and performed Lean On Me."  It was only one of a long string of hits that includes "Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone," "Grandma's Hands," "Use Me."  Withers' musical genre is variously described as Soul, Rhythm and Blues or Funk.  However you describe Bill Withers and his music...your description is going to fall short.  Because in the 1970-s and early '80's, Withers opened up a world of possibilities for music and for living.

Lean On Me.   I've sung it for years, sometimes with goofy fun, more often with deep emotion at youth and young adult church events.  It became the anthem of a generation--a promise to reach out when someone needs a friend--a commitment to being there, no matter what--a reminder that if we change our thinking around just a bit, this could be a song that God sings to us:  "Lean on Me when you're not strong..."

There's times in our lives we all have pain, we all have sorrow

but, if we are wise, we know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on Me, when you're not strong, and I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on

For it won't be long 'til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on

Please swallow your pride if I have things you need to borrow

For no one can fill those of your needs that you won't let show

You just call on me neighbor when you need a hand (We all need somebody to lean on)

I just might have a problem that you'll understand (We all need somebody to lean on)

Lean On Me was the last song we sang together as a congregation at our last worship service on March 15th before "social distancing" became our new normal.  I said it then, and I still believe that whatever may come--we will get through this together--leaning on each other emotionally and spiritually-until the time when we can physically lean into handshakes and hugs once again.

So this weekend, give yourself a little treat.  Search for "Bill Withers YouTube" and find a video of Lean On Me.  Nobody sings it like the master.

Peace and all good,

Pastor Jean

Sunday, April 5th at 10am - Worship & Fellowship via Zoom Conference Call.  The link for online computer use and phone numbers for telephone use was sent last night in an email.  You can sign in starting at 9:30am.  We'll officially start at 10am.  Please join us!