You’re Not Alone
40th Year Anniversary Edition
This “Love Note from Heaven” (as my wife puts it) was written by Michael McLean. He asked me to record it for the “Bounce Back” cassette in 1981 which touched millions throughout the world and was such a great joy to be part of. I hope you also enjoy this most recent rendition. - Love, John 💖
You’re Not Alone (Perspective) - Years ago I used to sing at a nearby mall from time to time. I set up next to a large fountain. Often, there would be hundreds of people hanging around- having lunch and listening to the music. It was really fun.
On one occassion, just after singing “You’re Not Alone”, a woman came up to me from behind and put her arms around me and said “I’ve always wanted to hug the person who sang this song.” After figuring out what had happened (‘cause she kind of caught me by surprise), I returned her sentiment-“I’ve always wanted to hug the person I sang it to.”
She handed me a little piece of paper. “I want to show my kids I met you. Could you autograph this to all of us?” I wrote “you’re not alone” on the paper (something I always wrote), but then for some reason felt to add “and you never have been. ”
We both looked down at what I’d written and started crying- realizing something we’d perhaps never fully understood- that as long as we’re willing- even in the smallest way, to draw near to God- in that very moment; He’s already there (or as the song implies, He is “love close by”).
So important to remember but in hard times, easy to forget. Even Mike McLean (the author), after writing it, went through a 9 year period of discouragement, confusion and even some despair. And even Mike- after all of this, one day, suddenly looked back on the previous 9 years with perfect sight. God had been there with Him all along. “I connected all the dots” as Mike put it. He’d never been alone. It was just hard to see.
There will be times you will need this song (I know I have). I hope it can remain a blessing and witness for you of one supreme truth: God loves you- personally and infinitely. His reaching out to you and invitation to reach out to Him is as constant as it is comforting. It’s big enough to fill the universe but still and small enough to seep fully into your heart even in this one “little song.”