Advocate

“I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you. ~ John 14:25-26

I was once in a difficult work situation where, despite knowing I had friends and peers who had my back, I still felt alone and out of my depth.

Fortunately, where I worked, I had someone who was my official advocate. She walked with me every step of the way. She held my hand when I needed it and spoke up for me when I needed it.

She also listened - a lot, and offered advice that was deeply appreciated.

Have you ever had someone like that? Someone whose job it was to take your part? To be there for you. To counsel you. You listen to you. To speak up for you.

That's who Jesus is telling his disciples they can expect. They had to be bereft at the idea that he wasn't going to be with them any longer.

So he makes sure that they know that he isn't leaving them without one who will have their back.

There are so many ways in which we talk about the Holy Spirit working in the world, but this is the way that speaks to me the most.

It's the way that reminds me of Linda - who stood by me, held my hand, listened to me, and let me know that I was not alone.

I was not alone, I am not alone. And neither are you.

Come Holy Spirit, guide me and sustain me when I am most in need. Amen