A few weeks ago, my husband and I saw a movie called Yesterday. It’s about Jack, a struggling musician who’s hit by a bus during a worldwide power outage. When he wakes up, the world is going on like normal, but he quickly realizes things aren’t quite the same as they were before. Most importantly, he discovers that he’s the only person who remembers the existence of The Beatles. Long story short, he becomes wildly successful by singing Beatles songs as if he wrote them.
One part of the film was particularly moving to me, though it wasn’t the main point of the movie or even one of several main points. Nevertheless, I found myself sobbing just a little bit anyway. The scene showed Jack giving his biggest concert yet at a venue in his hometown that had once cancelled a small gig he had pre-Beatles. It was a lovely full-circle moment. Everyone who had rolled their eyes at Jack’s dreams all those years he had struggled to make a name for himself as a musician was there.
But more importantly (to me, at least), Jack’s friends were there. Those friends, who had supported him all along, showing up to every sparsely attended performance he booked, cheering wholeheartedly for every set, requesting his signature song “one more time,” were standing front and center at that huge concert. They stood in the front row, yelling and waving signs asking him to play that song, the one he’d written before the world forgot the Beatles, before he’d experienced an ounce of success. Seeing those friends love and support Jack so well and so consistently moved me in a way I wasn’t expecting.
It was a beautiful picture of true friendship and support, and it made me cry — harder than perhaps it should have — as I thought of the people in my own life who have stood by me despite my failing and floundering as I’ve pursued my own dreams. I thought about how hard I’ve worked to gain the approval and support of some, while ignoring and even forgetting just how much others are cheering me on at every step. I thought about how I’ve been so focused on acquiring support of the big, flashy variety that I’ve overlooked the quiet, loyal type that’s been here all along. I thought about how, in the movie, it was that group of friends who truly understood Jack and loved him for who he is, who showed up for him year after year, recognizing the greatness in him and appreciating what he uniquely had to offer.
They didn’t need the flash and the fame to know that Jack was talented. They knew all along.
I’m reminded of how much I appreciate those who have supported me in all my ventures throughout my life, of how grateful I am to have had friends walking with me and showing up for me and encouraging me whenever I’ve felt discouraged or disappointed. I’m thankful to have friends like that, and I want to be a friend like that.
The Sunday morning after we saw Yesterday, our pastor talked about the Scriptures that describe Jesus’s reception in His family and hometown. Though it seems incredible to us now, Jesus’ family did not believe (at first) that He was the Messiah. They thought He was crazy (Mark 3:20-22), and the people of His hometown weren’t much better, scoffing and becoming offended at His actions and His claims (Mark 6:1-6).
I’m struck by the fact that even Jesus — the Son of God, our Lord and Savior, the Alpha and the Omega — lacked support from the people who seemingly should have known Him best, accepted Him first, and encouraged Him most. So it makes sense that we would struggle with the same thing.
It also makes sense that we should respond to this frustrating and hurtful situation the way Jesus did. Centuries before a certain pop song told us to “shake it off,” Jesus was instructing the disciples to do the very same thing: “If anyone does not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that house or town.” (Matthew 10:14)
Shake the dust off, and move on.
Jesus didn’t waste time or energy chasing the approval of those who ignored or criticized Him. He didn’t neglect the ones who truly supported Him, the ones who weren’t family but became family, in favor of pursuing the ones He thought should be on His team. Nope. He recognized who was there day after day, and He poured into those men and women. He loved them well, served them, and served with them.
We should do the same. Rather than trying to win over the people in our lives who don’t “get” us, who don’t understand our passions or our callings, who don’t think we should bother with the thing we know we’ve been created to do, let’s look around at who’s already standing beside us. Let’s look at the ones locking arms with us and cheering for us and learning the words to every non-Beatles song we write. And let’s love them. Let’s thank them and appreciate them for being on our team, not as a second choice or consolation prize, but as the gift they are.
And let’s be those kinds of friends, too. Let’s support and love one another with encouraging words and with our presence. Let’s show up and listen hard and stand in the very front row, waving our banners and cheering each other on.
Who can you thank for supporting you today?
Who can you encourage with your support?
Let's show up and listen hard and stand in the very front row, waving our banners and cheering each other on. - @MaryCarver: Click To Tweet Leave a Comment
This is so good! I’ve gone through this, too, and come to the same conclusion. I’m grateful to know I’m not alone!
You are definitely not alone! 🙂
Mary,
I realize it’s a pretty small circle of family and friends who have supported and encouraged me through the years. I call them my “perseverance posse”. They’ve been there through the good, the bad, and the ugly when many others jumped ship. They saw the “real” me, warts and all, and loved me just the same. They supported my passions in writing and didn’t think I was crazy to want to start a school for orphans in Pakistan, of all places. They understood I was an “empath” and handled my heart tenderly. That is what the “front row” does. So thankful for those people…they know who they are, but I need to remember to thank them and return the gift of encouragement. I haven’t seen the movie yet, but suspect I’ll be crying at that part as well, Mary! Beautiful and poignant post!
Blessings,
Bev xx
I want to thank Bev for all her support, love, friendship and sisterhood. I just had total knee replacement last week and Bev has been standing front and center cheering me on through the pain and discomfort. Words, cards, ice pack, love have been sent my way from this precious girl. I met her through this wonderful blog and so grateful for her and everyone here. God is so good in providing us what we need. He knew I needed a friend like Bev. I only hope I am
As good a friend back to her as she is for me. I love you Bev and I am richly blessed having you in my life. Love Kathy
Kathy,
So thankful for (in)courage that allowed our God-ordained paths to cross. Going through surgery is like a boxing match and God knows you need someone in your corner cheering you on because the battle is brutal. Wish I could be there in person, but sending lots of love, hugs, and prayers that you will come through this victoriously. You are a wonderful friend, and more…you are my sister…
Love,
Bev xo
Bev, I love that you call them your “perseverance posse,” but I love even more how you describe your people handling your heart tenderly. That is a big deal! xoxo
I didn’t realize just how much I needed this today. I’m a pastor’s wife who has experienced some sheep bite lately. I went to bed last night very discouraged and asking the Lord for proper perspective. He answered me with this article. I am now rejoicing and looking forward to church tomorrow! Thank you so much!!
Rebecca, I chuckled at your term, “sheep bite,” but it’s also such a great descriptor. I immediately knew what you meant. I’m grateful this post was encouraging to you!
Mary,
In Courage is that kind of place. We get to encourage each other here. Pray for those hurting/going through trials. Give advice to those needing it. I’ve met wonderful people here that I will never forget. I’ve been the recipient of many prayers & have the privilege of praying for others. My new job- in hospital allows me to pray for my co-workers & patients alike. If someone codes or isn’t doing well then I stop & ask God to help them. Also try to encourage everyone I see. No one is a stranger to me, just someone I haven’t met yet. I beam a smile on my face & say hello to all in the hallways. Trying to make their stay with family a little brighter. When you get to know me well you will see that encouragement is my God given gift. I don’t need to be in the spot light. Just cheer others on to success. Love helping others succeed. Everyone deserves a howdy or have a nice day. It just might turn their day around. I know it does for me. Last Thursday I got a kind of “atta girl” from my boss. He said “I hear nothing but good about you.” That made me feel so good that my hard work is showing off. Mind you I’ve only been in this job 6 month & the environment is totally new to me-never worked in hospital setting much less ICU Step down unit before. Felt great to have my 15 minutes of fame.
Blessings 🙂
Beth, I’m so, so happy to hear your new job is such a great home for you!!
We can want the fame for all the wrong reasons. It can be what can I do to get the Cheering just for me. There are people who are Christians who are all about Me Me. They just want the Cheering and the lime light all too themselves. I bet we all know thoes type of people. They go out of their way to get it. I am the type of person. I only like to Cheered if I need it. I know someone she loves the lime light. She do anything too get it. Jesus does not want us to be show off people. Then give people the credit when needed. As we put ourselves on petastole. Thinking when we do something for someone. They must pay us back. Jesus never worked like that everything he did was out of love and because he cared. Jesus never wanted paid back. We should be the same. We Cheer our Christian Sisters on in Love and not seek a reward. For all the lovely things they do. Giving them that encourage and letting them know we love them and appreciate them in Jesus. Another Excellent reading. Dawn Ferguson-Little
That’s a great point, Dawn, about how we should cheer on our sisters wholeheartedly and without expecting something in return. Yes, THIS is the kind of friend I want to be!
I’ve never heard of this movie but now I want to see it. We all need people in our lives who recognize the greatness in us and we all need to be the kind of people who recognize the greatness in others. Thank you for always writing something that speaks to my heart. You have a gift. Thank you for shining it brightly for the rest of us to see Him.
Colleen, thank you so much for your kind words! I’m grateful thist post was an encouragement to you!
Amen. This speaks to my prayer of God for my mission. He’s speaking to me clearly these days, that my service to Him is going to be a humble, close to home service.