"A Helping Hand "

" My time is going fast,

Just a short time left to live.

I want so much out of life,

But what more can I give."

" No one else knows of this,

'Cept you my friend and I."

That's what she told me just last night,

It hurt so bad I cried.

" So much I want to live for,

So much I want to do.

And Gin, I need to know,

How'd you feel.. if it happened to you."

" The doctor says to slow down,

And he gave the reasons why.

Gin, I'm so alone and scared,

I'm so afraid to die."

My sister was asking for my help,

I didn't know what to say.

I just looked towards the Heavens,

Trying very hard to pray.

" Dear Lord, I need an answer,

What can I give her in reply.

She's asking for my help,

She's so afraid to die."

" I've never been good at praying, Lord,

I may be asking this all wrong,

Please, I'm begging you,

Let me help her to be strong."

" Thank you... Lord ...for listening,

I feel a lot better now,

'Cause you know how she feels,

I know you'll answer somehow."

As I turned to face her,

Her eyes were filled with tears.

I knew I had to find away,

To help her forget these fears.

" Listen... Sis... to what I have to say,

Please don't be afraid to die.

You've lived through so much here on earth.

It's far better in the sky."

She turned to me... then and said,

" Gin.. I don't quite understand.

But in the next few months.

Please lend me a helping hand."

" Sis... I'm always here to help you.

And I will always be your friend.

So don't give up.. and don't look back,

It's the only way to win."

As we sat there in my car,

I tried to console her fear.

She just sat there and stared at me,

Then said... " My time is drawing near."

Then completely lost for words,

I sat and heard her through.

And wondered if God had heard,

And would help me.. to see her threw.

" Sis... we have a gracious heavenly Father,

He will lend a helping hand.

No matter how bad things are,

He will understand."

" Now will you join me,

And share a word of prayer.

I'm sure he will help us,

If we show him, we really care."

She sat there for a minute,

Her mind.. I guess in doubt.

Then she reached out her hand,

And said... " Please help me out."

" It's been such a long time... Gin,

Since I've even thought to pray.

I'm really lost for words,

I don't know what to say."

" Don't worry how you say it,

God will understand.

Come on now and lets pray,

I'll help you if I can."

As we got down to pray,

In the stillness of the night.

She reached out and took my hands,

And held them ever so tight.

I sat there so intently,

As she stared into the sky.

" Dear Lord," broke the silence, " I need you,"

" They say I'm going to die."

" Please stand beside me, Lord...

And guide me all the way.

The doctors gave me two years,

That's only three months from today."

" Gin, talks a lot about you,

Says you're a mighty great man,

I hope you will bear with me,

And by my side you'll stand."

She finished her prayer,

With a gracious " Amen."

Then said, "Gin ...something is different,

I feel whole again."

" The Lord... is going to help me,

I know he will see me through.

I'm so filled with joy,

I just don't know what to do."

Now her heart was full of joy,

But my mind was full of doubt.

She needs someone to lean on,

Wonder if I can be that stout.

Then the answer can to me,

God wants me to help this girl.

It made me tremble all over,

As my mind went in a whirl.

I made myself a promise,

That these fears.. we both could win..

And from now until eternity,

I'll bring happiness to my friend.

(gjs)