Ernest Hemingway once said: In our darkest moments, we don’t need solutions or advice. What we yearn for is simply human connection—a quiet presence, a gentle touch. These small gestures are the anchors that hold us steady when life feels like too much. Please don’t try to fix me. Don’t take on my pain or push away my shadows. Just sit beside me as I work through my own inner storms. Be the steady hand I can reach for as I find my way. My pain is mine to carry, my battles mine to face. But your presence reminds me I’m not alone in this vast, sometimes frightening world. It’s a quiet reminder that I am worthy of love, even when I feel broken. So, in those dark hours when I lose my way, will you just be here? Not as a rescuer, but as a companion. Hold my hand until the dawn arrives, helping me remember my strength. Your silent support is the most precious gift you can give. It’s a love that helps me remember who I am, even when I forget.

To be honest, I don’t know if Ernest Hemingway actually wrote this or not (it’s just something that I came across while scrolling through Facebook), but no matter, these words so perfectly spoke to me about what it means to be present for someone. How about you?

I love the worship services we do that involve all of your participation in some way (like Milk and Cookies!) and in which I can just observe–I see you, I hear you, and I feel the love in the room. In those moments, I feel the presence of a love that holds me. I believe it holds all of you, too. And it’s a love that you create! That is presence.

I appreciate all the kind words many of you have offered me during this difficult point in my life, but I have also enjoyed the moments when you are just in the room beside me. I enjoyed just being in the room during the auction, sitting (mostly silently) by myself yet feeling the presence of a loving community. I heard you laughing, getting excited and being generous, and yes, I heard a few small squabbles, too. But all of that was surrounded by love. I urge all of you to take a moment the next time we are together to just observe, and to just feel a steady, loving presence, and to know that you are not alone. It works wonders for the heart and soul.

We are companions in this labyrinth of a world, guiding one another with the threads of love. Thank you for being a part of it!

Heather