My brother is a die-hard Liverpool fan. Growing up with him was nothing short of fan. Though raised by a single mother with so many difficult hardships that littered our upbringing, there was one thing that always brought my brother so much joy and still does – Soccer or Football. Depending on which part of the world you live in, you will call this one name or the other. When I first came to the United States, I was a little baffled because Americans call what I know as “football” differently. They call it soccer.
I am pretty sure my brother remembers a lot of the Liverpool football matches from our childhood, for me vaguely. But one thing I remember so well is the Liverpool anthem “you’ll never walk alone.” If you are a Manchester United, Chelsea, or a fan of any other football club, please pardon me. This article does not side with any football clubs 🙂
When covid-19 hit, the world understood how much we had taken for granted those little things like being able to hug, go out for walks, work, church gatherings, parties, weddings, funerals, etc.
It seems we all realized how much we had taken for granted those “little things.” We all turned online- working from home and being social with friends and family online.
Yet sometimes, whether we are surrounded by thousands of people or have massive social media followings, we still have the propensity of feeling lonely.
Loneliness has nothing to do with the number of people physically present with us or our social media platform’s friends and followers. If it did, most people who committed suicide out of depression and loneliness would have no cause to do so. Every time I hear of a suicide, my heart breaks into a thousand pieces. I often reference the late Anthony Boudain because I loved his scope of work. As a world-renowned chef, he was constantly on the go meeting people from all over the world; he had a massive online following and rankings, he was rich and famous. Why did he commit suicide?
It is undoubtedly too late for answers. We can’t help him or others that have lost their lives by suicide. However, we can help ourselves and others.
Jesus promised us that in this world, we would have many tribulations. In one of my most recent podcast interviews with a British podcaster, we discussed how the world’s troubles never end. One minute all seems calm, almost serene, and we feel we have almost achieved perfection. Just then, something hits that shakes our world apart. Whenever we are confronted with a gripping challenge, instead of feeling overwhelmed, forsaken by God, rejected, or depressed, let’s remember these three truths.
Troubles are to be expected. So long as we are alive, we will face some form of difficulty. John 16:33b (NLT) “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world.”
We will overcome it. Why? Because Jesus overcame all our challenges many years ago. Whether we are battling sickness, joblessness, economic hardships, marital difficulties, child loss, etc., Jesus already overcame all of it on the cross. John 19:30 (NIV) “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” When we have that mindset, it has a way of bringing peace to our entire body, mind, and soul. Because we are convicted beyond all doubt that we are more than conquerors. We become hopeful in an otherwise grim situation. Romans 8:37 (NIV) “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
What if we don’t overcome it? What if we lose that loved one or remain unemployed? Stay unmarried or married with no kids? Lose that contract we worked so hard for? Failed the exam we spent sleepless nights on? Endure a job we hate for lack of opportunities? The list is endless, but you get my point. What if we still remain in that situation even though we have prayed, trusted, believed? Here is the nugget that will bring you peace even amid the storm- God will make ALL things work together for our good. All things mean the good, the bad, and the ugly. Romans 8:28 (NIV) “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
Conclusion
The Liverpool anthem and the Holy Spirit have this common trait: they both express the phrase “You never walk alone.” The Holy Spirit is always with us. Sometimes He may be a silent voice. Other times a loud and pushy one. Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit when He left the earth. We may not physically see God, but we have His Spirit on the inside of us. Romans 8:11 (NIV) says, “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” Let’s walk in confidence knowing that we never walk alone.
Here is the Liverpool Anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark
At the end of the storm
Is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark
Walk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
Though' your dreams be tossed and blown
Walk on, walk-on
With hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone.
Hannarich Asiedu
Hannarich Asiedu is the author of "DECODING THE INLAW CODE," a guide to attaining peaceful relationships with parent and sibling in-laws, available on Amazon. She's also an international keynote speaker, Chief Happiness Officer, and Philanthropist.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in English and French from the University of Ghana and is certified in the Science of Wellbeing at Yale University.
Hannarich is a contributing author to Dayspring's "Sweet Tea for the Soul" and writes for Guidepost.
A boy-mom of three little guys; there's never a dull moment in her life. She lives in Dallas, Texas, with her family.
Follow her as Hannarich Asiedu on all social media platforms.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Hope you’ve been encouraged. Feel free to leave a comment on your thoughts and do share, someone in your community may need to read this 🙂
Beautiful parallel illustrated Hannarich! Another thought provoking article which has blessed me this afternoon ❤️❤️❤️
Your soo on point with this article. Making meaning with the Liverpool Anthem from the biblical angle is just perfect. I love this!!! 👏👏👏
And you also love it because you’re the Liverpool fan we’re discussing here 🤣🤣🤣
I enjoyed reading this. What a great word!
Thank you Court!!!