“These are the folks you want walking with you” by Melissa Baker

Editor’s Note: My friend Melissa Baker writes another excellent post and it deeply encouraged me. You will be encouraged as well as you read it.  

Yesterday, in the middle of clouds and bleak, a small patch of sunshine called my name.

So, I slipped outside.

Literally.

Walking blissfully, I neared the corner of my street. There, a dog barked and a neighbor yelled, “Hi!”

With effortless grace, I turned slightly to my left, my right arm waving casually. “Hey!” I called back.

The slight breeze lifted my silver tresses—my smile gleamed. It was pure cinematic pleasure.

For about half a second.

Next thing, you know, I was splat on the sidewalk, crisp white blouse, and all. Certain my “oomph” had echoed for blocks, I expected my neighbor to come running. But no, my fall from grace hadn’t actually been that loud. The only one looking down at me from where I ingloriously sprawled was Ocho, the doodle.

I wanted to cry—but didn’t. Picking myself up, I continued down the street. After catching my breath, I sent a couple of what I hoped were light-hearted “can you believe what I just did?” messages.

Limping home, and applying antiseptic cream to my skinned knee, I slapped on the only Band-Aid I could find—a bright red rectangle with Clifford the big red dog on it.

Which seemed appropriate.

But, I’m fine. Really.

Though the internal bruising did make it harder to get out of bed this morning.

As I dress, I look at that Band-Aid, and remember times I’ve been handed a cliché, a verse, and a pat to soothe a wound. A Band-Aid, so to speak.

“There, there, you’ll be fine. Keep moving forward.”

But, oh, the folks, who know what it is to fall unexpectedly, to be gut-punched with pain, yet still try to hobble with dignity.

These are the folks you want walking with you—the ones who have fallen enough times to know just what to do to help others up.

These are the folks you want walking with you — the ones who have fallen enough times to know just what to do to help others up. - Melissa Baker Share on X

And they do it.

These are the folks who know how to walk

slowly,

kindly,

quietly.

These are the ones you want with you when the unexpected happens. They don’t just talk Jesus, they walk Jesus.

These are also the only ones who have permission to laugh and use certain emojis at the right time.

And not one moment earlier . Cause sometimes falling is just funny—even when it hurts.

“And walk in love, as Christ loved us.” Ephesians 5:2a

About the Author:
Melissa is a follower of Jesus Christ, a widow, mom, and grandmother. She loves Jesus Christ and the church. As a ladies’ speaker, experienced biblical counselor, and former pastor’s wife, she blesses people with her blog melissadawnbaker.com. Her blog serves as an encouragement for believers to keep their eyes on the Lord, that is, to be faithful because we know He is faithful, plus provides counseling resources.

Melissa’s original post first appeared on her blog here.

Image Credit melissadawnbaker.com

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