What does it really mean?  To be an ally?

My friend wrote a statement on this, 5 years ago.  But perhaps it's clear that I'm not yet fully equipped for this.

How would I be able to help a stranger against all odds if I am not even able to help a friend when it's easy?

For us, and everyone else, the road towards learning these lessons is a hard one.  But you've got to fail in order to learn.  And you've got to try in order to fail.