We often say, “Praying for you” to people we care about as they face difficult times and situations. We mean it genuinely and follow through the best that we can. We care deeply and that is all we can do.

“Walking with you” is different. Sometimes we can do more, and we willingly offer additional support. We aren’t meant to carry our burdens alone. The additional support of caring friends and family relieves stress, lightens the load and gives strength to carry on.

I have recently started telling others, “I’m walking with you.” It is a way of saying to the person I care about  that I am intentionally going the extra step to be there for you. It’s saying I’m choosing to be there to help carry the burden. It’s not the easy choice, but somehow when I give, I receive. When I walk with you through those dark times there is this profound, humble blessing that occurs. There is an experience of love that is mutual and deep.

It is not taking on someone else’s struggle. I don’t own it or feel responsible for it. I simply and quietly choose to get underneath and lift them up. I choose to offer kindness and grace the way Christ has for me. I can’t do it perfectly as in the scripture, but I’m willing to put my heart into it.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 NIV).

Friends, when I choose to walk with you, there is a shift in my mind and heart of how I choose to care for you and the journey you are on. You aren’t obligated to accept it, although I encourage you to accept it.

We are called to be an expression of God’s love and grace in all we do; that’s why I choose to be walking with you. It creates a profound beauty, a delicate sense of care and an overwhelming, humbling experience of God’s love. It makes a connection that is holy. It is not void of pain and tears, but it is filled with a comfort and peace that only He can bring.

Is there someone in your life you can do this for? Is there someone you can turn to and say, “I’m walking with you” instead of “praying for you?”  It takes intention and you will never be the same or making that choice. Maybe, you already know what it means to walk in the darkness with someone and provide that kind of care. Maybe, you are scared. No worries, God is there upholding you. Share your journey below and we can encourage each other.