I was born with an independent streak. I can actually remember trying to write on those little, lined notepads of flimsy paper that disintegrated if you tried to erase. (Do kindergartners still use those? Or was that first grade back then?) I was frustrated and tired, and when my mom asked if I needed help, I clenched my little fist tight around my pencil and said through gritted teeth, “I can do it MYSELF.”
I don’t think she ever offered to help me with homework again.
To be honest, that’s how I liked it. I wanted to do things by myself, for myself.
Until I found I was at the end of myself.
Looking back, I can recall certain times when the only thing I could do was look up from the mess around me (or out from the mess WITHIN) and say, “I need help.”
When the weight of spiritual warfare had me living scared and full of doubt far away on the mission field, but older and wiser missionaries took my hand and helped pull me through…..
When I woke up and realized that “baby blues” had nothing to do with it….
And, those were just some of the BIG things.
What about the time my older sister came to show me how to bathe a baby?
Or when I looked my friend in the face and said, “Glad you’re here. Could I go take a shower?”
Help.
I need it. You do, too.
First and foremost, from our Father.
That’s the beginning of knowing him, isn’t it? The acknowledging our NEED of him.
We need others, too. We need EACH other.
Today, you might have the answer I’m looking for. Tomorrow, I might have the strength you need.
So, let’s stop trying to seem so put together and be honest about our needs.
It’s OK to ask for help when you need it.
Actually, asking for help is the brave thing to do. Don’t let the voices in your head tell you otherwise.
Because if we humble ourselves, he WILL lift us up.
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This post is part of a 31-day series called “31 Things I Want My Kids to Know.” I hope you’ll join me for the journey!