Support – June 09, 2002
How often we hear the words, “I couldn’t have done it without them.” Those who achieve success and happiness know the importance of support from family and friends. Sometimes each of us may be in a position to offer, or to need, the support that makes the difference between failure and success.
Support is not quite the same as kindness or understanding. For example, no loving parent or spouse would intentionally support a drug or gambling addiction. A key ingredient of support is a shared desire to improve someone’s life. A parent lets a child know that learning to read or do arithmetic, however frustrating, is vital to future progress. Former classmates support a friend in military service by expressing their belief in the honor and duty of protecting one’s homeland. Such affirming conviction is especially helpful when the endeavor explores unfamiliar paths.
Support also involves bolstering another’s confidence, offering assurance that a child can indeed master arithmetic, that the soldier will be brave in time of crisis, that the inventor will achieve his dream.
Joseph Campbell, renowned scholar and writer, relates that when his first book was published, his father was absolutely certain it would be a great success. “He hadn’t read a word of it yet,” Campbell explains, “but he knew that his boy had done it.” When doubters say, “It can’t be done,” the loyal supporter says, “You can do it!”1 In all endeavors of life, one friend cheering is worth a hundred critics booing.
If we would be truly supportive, we will add to these affirming attitudes the practical assistance of a helping hand. From time to time, in our climb to success, we all need someone to steady the ladder. When we give genuine support, the success of one becomes the joy of many. In truth, we can’t do it without them, nor they without us.
Program #3799
1. Diane K. Osbon, A Joseph Campbell Companion (New York: HarperCollins, 1991), 70.