Asking for Help-Part 1

Why is it so difficult for some of us to ask for help when facing a difficult situation? This seems to be a universal truth. Let's explore that together.

First off, we all face difficult times in our lives.  Also a universal truth!  These can be a result of our own poor choices, the decisions of others that affect us, or just plain old life in general.  What should we do when we really need some help?  How do we cope?

Easy; we hide our pain and distress, try to keep our chin up, push through, and basically not let anyone know what's going on...right?  That's how many of us handle hard stuff!  Is that really helpful?  Does it allow us time to really work through the tough stuff?  The answer would be a resounding "NO"!

There are many reasons for this coping mechanism.  First, it's hard to admit that we are having difficulty with something.  Second, we don't want to be seen as weak, especially with our church friends.  Third, sometimes we are so worn out by the hard stuff that we don't even have the emotional and/or physical energy to talk about it!

Sometimes it's easy to pray about all this, easier than talking to people.  We know that God already knows it all, He has the inside story.  We don't need to spell it all out to God.  So we pray and pray, we cry out to God for help.  We wait for some reply, some way to make it another day...

Hello!  Do we ever think that perhaps our answer from God Himself is to take our burden to His people?  Maybe He is saying, "this is why I put this person or that person in your life, to help you with this heavy load..."   Hhmmm...Think about that for a moment!

Oh, but we still don't want to do it!  We think: "I will be ok, I can make it"  "I don't want to bother him or her."  "I don't want to be a complainer."  "They are so busy, they can't possibly have time to help me..."  And on and on...We always have a reason!

Galations  6:2 says: "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." NetBible   The real truth is that God did put us here with other people to share the heavy burden.  His plan is not that we go it alone.  His desire is that we work together as a community of believers to lift one another up when we are weak and troubled.  We need to be that community for each other!

Stay tuned for more "Asking for Help" in some specific situations.

Blessings to all!

What About Roller-Coasters?

When I was a little girl, my mother would take us to a school playground near our home.  Mostly I would run around and hang from the monkey-bars.  I could not stand to be on a swing!  If I tried it, I absolutely hated the feeling of the whooshing air pushing against my body.  I could not tolerate the feeling in my tummy or the sense that I would fall off the swing.  It didn't matter who told me that I was okay, I knew that I certainly was not okay by any means!  Mind you, it didn't bother me at all if I fell off the monkey-bars right on my silly head!  But those swings, no way!  The same goes for carnival and amusement park rides.  There will be no twisty, twirly, upside-down horror for me!

I find it amusing that as an adult I still try to avoid anything that will turn me around or whoosh me in any way, either emotionally or physically.  I also find it somewhat amusing that God has chosen to allow me to be riding a really high and terrifying roller coaster right now!  Very interesting!

So, let's think about roller-coasters...

First of all, they are engineered to be the scariest thing on the planet!  On purpose!  Second, you cannot think of anything else when you are riding it. Next,  they can make you feel sick, out of control of your world, some people even faint from fear!  Can there be anything good here?  Yes!  Atop a roller-coaster you see a bigger world, filled with bigger possibilities!   For every upward climb, there is a return to the bottom.  Best of all, even the best roller-coaster ride is usually pretty short!

What can we learn then in the practical world?

1. God's promise says that we will not be given anything more than we can handle, no matter what we believe about that.
2. God is the ultimate safety engineer.  His mighty hand is always there, ready to catch us if we fall off the ride.
3. Sometimes we need to see that bigger view to give us perspective.
4. Nothing that God allows is for naught.  His ways are purposeful.
5. He will never leave us nor forsake us, even on a scary roller-coaster!
6. The frightful ride will end and we can get off!  We just need to hold on tight in the meantime!
7. God's blessings come new every morning and come to those who stand and persevere.

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12 NIV

                                           Let's ride the coaster for all it's worth!
                                                      Blessings and love to all...