This song, also from Osoba Aire, reminds us that we are not islands. It urges us to remember that we are all part of a community of faith, a sisterhood, a brotherhood, a family of faith, and that these are important aspects of our journeys. We need each other.
I think there are two readings of this song. We can lean on God and we can lean on each other. Isn’t that the very definition of our faith? That God is in us, and when we lean on each other we are also leaning on God. But also, the song is reminding us that as much as we seek out shoulders to lean on, we should provide our own shoulders to be leaned on as well. I need to be mindful of both orientations – to seek out the people I trust to help me get through and to make myself open and accessible to those who need my shoulder. I’m grateful for my immediate family and my wider family of faith. They’ve held me up countless times. But in those really difficult moments, the strongest shoulder is God’s. My God is compassionate, loving, steadfast, forgiving, welcoming, and not judgy! (PS/ I wish R.Kelly was not on this song! Am I judgy for that thought?)
Psalm 9:9: The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble
Gospel from Friends 