Call Back

 

Years ago, when I was a very young pastor’s wife in Indiana, a dear “older” friend gave me this beautiful poem. She impressed on me the importance of always looking for ways to encourage those God brought into my life...family, friend, strangers in the store, neighbors. Sometimes it was a very quiet, unassuming person who was trying to hide difficult circumstances from others; or church members who were discouraged.

This dear lady did not know that I would be the one also who needed to “call back” to someone else to help me “along the stony track,” “through the storm, thunder, earthquake” that shook my life, when others faces “glowed with triumph” in their race.

The author is unknown, and it was probably written years ago...but so relevant today. It always brings tears to my eyes because I think of those dear friends who were there when I needed to “call back” for reassurance that I was on the right path. That my dear Heavenly Father was listening to my prayers.

"If you have gone a little way ahead of me, 'Call back'~

It will cheer my heart and help my feet along the stony track;

And if, perchance, Faith's light is dim, because the oil is low,

Your call will guide my lagging course as wearily I go.

Call back and tell me that He went with you into the storm;

Call back and say He kept you when the forest's roots were torn,

That when the Heavens thunder and the earthquake shook the hill,

He bore you up and held you where the very air was still.

Oh friend, call back. And tell me for I cannot see your face.

They say it glows with triumph and your feet bound in the race.

But there are mists between us and my spirit eyes are dim,

And I cannot see the glory, though I long for word of Him.

But if you'll say He heard you when your prayer was but a cry,

And if you'll say He saw you through the night's sin-darkened sky...

If you have gone a little way ahead, oh friend, call back.

It will cheer my heart and help my feet along the stony track."

If right now you are on that stony track when you feel your very roots are being torn up, I have been there. But our Heavenly Father not only gives us His Word to speak to us through precious promises, His Holy Spirit for comfort, the Lord Jesus who says: “Come unto me all you that labor and are heavy laden,” BUT He provides us with dear Christian friends who are now feeling the glow of “triumph” on their faces. They know the stony path and can attest to God’s faithfulness. Don’t be afraid to seek for such a dear friend.

If you are in that “glow of triumph,” look for those who need your “call back” to help them. They are right in your home, at your store, at your church. Take the time to “call back” to those who need your testimony of God’s grace in your life.  

--Maylou Holladay