“When you’re down and troubled
And you need a helping hand
And nothing, whoa nothing is going right.
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest nights.

Chorus
You just call out my name,
And you know where ever I am
I’ll come running,
To see you again.
Winter, spring , summer, or fall,
All you have to do is call
And I’ll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.
You’ve got a friend.” – You’ve Got A Friend, James Taylor

Music through the ages

I am a choir girl. I’ll never forget the day I was able to say this. It was my first year of Secondary School in Singapore, and I was one of the many anxious girls waiting for the results of the choir auditions that year. 67 girls tried out, 17 got in, and I was one of them. I had made it.

If cheerleaders are the “it” thing to be in your typical American high school, then at my prestigious all girls private school, this was it. But don’t get me wrong, it was hard work too. Hours of practices, vocal training, competitions, musicals and performances. We sang hundreds of songs in dozens of different languages… some of which who’s lyrics still resonate with me today. Songs like James Taylor’s You’ve Got a Friend.

Helping Hands

I find that I’ve constantly got some sort of music track for my life, depending on the situation. Circumstances arise, and what do you know? I’ve got a song that perfectly conveys how I’m feeling. (I know this is starting to sound like Glee, but I promise you I don’t burst into song and dance at random moments). Yesterday, this song started running through my head, and got me thinking about God’s wonderful gift of partnership amongst His people.

We all need help. Whether you like to admit it or not, we can’t do everything on our own. That’s why we need God, but also equally important, that’s why we need each other. This month, as I’ve been journeying through a new kind of faith walk with God, I’ve been learning two things: 1) Don’t be too proud to ask for help, and 2) God usually likes to help through other people.

“For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.” – 1 Corinthians  3:9

Someone always needs help

Whether that person is you or somebody else, someone is always in need of help. The question is, are you going to sit back and wait for someone else to come along, or are you going to step up and lead the way?

“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. “ – James 2:15-17

One of the reasons I think we’ve had such great unity here at The University of Texas amongst campus ministries is that there is truly a love amongst the Body of Christ for one another. Campus Ministers are very willing to pray for one another’s needs, share office space,  lend equipment, share resources, the list goes on.

New ministries are welcomed as fellow co-laborers instead of being eyed up as the latest competition. They are blessed and embraced, and in doing so, fosters a real sense of community. It says to all who observe, you are welcomed, and you are loved.

The body vs the individual

Sometimes I think we as Christians can get so caught up in the “I can do all things through Christ”  (Philippians 4:13) mindset that we forget that the Body without all the parts will never be complete  (1 Corinthians 12:15). But why do we have to choose between the two? Could it be that it’s actually okay to have both?

Thought for the day? The next time you see another campus ministry in need of something, stop and see if you can help. It may end up blessing you more than you know.