Black Eyed Peas

Ok, so you know how sometimes you don't like something but then, with time, that thing grows on you?
That's what has happened with me and The Black Eyed Peas.
I remember being in school in Toronto in the 90's (I know, I know) and seeing these big posters of question marks around the city. The BEPs were coming into the pop-music scene and probably had a tour date in Toronto and so were advertising for their "Where is the Love" album. I recall liking that song, Where is the Love, and how they sing questions about what's wrong with the world and people and how we need to be loving each other. Now they sing about other stuff that just hasn't inspired me the same way.
There are, however, some pretty serious BEP fans here at MOH and I've been hearing a lot of their songs on a frequent basis (especially at kickboxing) and, I have to admit, their beats have grown on me. Sorry Megan Fockler, but it's true. I often find myself humming one of their catchy lines. And it doesn't bother me one bit.
Something I find interesting, however, is that the song that still has most impressed itself upon me is that first one that asks the question: Where Is The Love?
And I've been thinking about this and I think a better or different song worth singing would ask the question Where is the Hope?
I was chatting with a friend here yesterday who is really struggling. My friend told me that one of the difficult things to deal with is the realization that to get ahead at all - to move forward at all - there is dependence on others for help. When faced with this my friend feels shame that is crippling and causes anger. My friend does not see a way and my friend can only hope in the Lord - there is literally nothing else.
If you knew that when you helped your friend get ahead, even in a small way, it would cause shame - what would you do?