The Music Happened

Music is amazing. If you are married, maybe there was a love song that perfectly conveyed the indescribable feelings deep in your heart, and as a result, that song is your special song. There are many hymns that give me words to express my deepest cries to the Lord. Maybe you have a special pregame song that pumped you up before workouts or sporting events.

Recently, I met with a pastor friend who has significantly matured over the years. Close to twenty years ago, we had a conversation where he told me in no uncertain terms that he didn’t need PastorServe. He was doing just fine, thank you. In our recent conversation he confessed the arrogance that kept him from asking for help. He talked about the insecurity brought on by the pandemic that has led him to question the depth of his dependence upon Jesus. He revealed his struggle with stress, anxiety and depression as he comes face to face with the realities of entering the second year of the pandemic. And finally, with tears in his eyes, he thanked me for sticking close by his side for the past two decades, despite his reluctance to connect. He humbly asked for my help. It was a beautiful conversation.

I left that meeting, got into my car and thanked the Lord for opening a door for ministry that had long been closed. And then – THE MUSIC HAPPENED!!! As I was driving away, I wanted to put my mind into neutral to unwind from an emotion filled conversation. I tuned to an oldies station and immediately heard the 1965 classic song Help! by the Beatles. As I listened to the words, I laughed out loud as I realized the Beatles were singing about the very conversation I had just had! For me and that pastor, I guess this is now our special song!

Help – I need somebody
Help! – not just anybody
Help! – you know I need someone. Help!

When I was younger, so much younger than today
I never needed anybody’s help in any way
But now these days are gone, I’m not so self-assured
And now I find, I’ve changed my mind and opened up the doors

Help me if you can, I’m feeling down
And I do appreciate you being ’round
Help me get my feet back on the ground
Won’t you please, please help me?

And now my life has changed in oh so many ways
My independence seems to vanish in the haze
But every now and then I feel so insecure
I know that I just need you like I’ve never done before

Every pastor needs help! Every pastor has days of arrogance when they convince themselves they can make it on their own. Every pastor needs a pastor.

I remember one of my children and I praying during bedtime one night when they were four years old. They asked me one of the most deeply profound theological questions I have ever been asked. They said, “Dad, what is the best prayer I can pray?” I thought about the Lords Prayer, Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane and many others. But, after a long pause, I responded, “I think the best prayer we can pray is, ‘Dear Jesus, Help me’”. When was the last time that you cried out to God and asked him for help? If it has been a while, I would encourage you to do that right now.

Thank you for helping pastors. We are immensely grateful for your commitment to walk alongside and provide assistance (Help!) as a ministry partner. Thank you for being a part of the PastorServe’s vision; “That No pastor would Walk Alone.” We could not do the work the Lord has called us to do apart from you.

Helped Daily by Jesus,

Jimmy Dodd, Founder and CEO