It’s Okay to Ask for Help
What my dad learned from polio…
Dad
In 1955, my mom and dad had a two-year-old, a one-year-old and another baby (me) due any week – the picture of American bliss.
Dad was a young man, working to provide for his growing family when he began to feel weak with what he thought were flu symptoms. When his conditioned worsened, my mother called the doctor.
After examining my father, the doctor asked him to stand.
Dad tried to comply, but his legs simply wouldn’t move.
“It’s what I feared,” the doctor said. “Polio.”
I never knew Dad without polio. Crutches, leg braces and wheelchairs were common items in our home. And throughout most of my childhood, I never stopped praying for my dad to walk.
However, not being able to walk wasn’t Dad’s greatest loss during that time. His fear of not maintaining his independence exasperated him far more. Nonetheless, in those very early years as a paraplegic, he eventually – and very reluctantly – learned a new way of thinking. Polio taught him that he needed other people. And in time, he learned that it was even okay to ask for help. In time, he discovered on a deeper level what it meant to be part of a community that cared.
Dad, several years after contracting polio
Do you currently have an illness or circumstance that you cannot overcome by yourself? Or perhaps, for you, it’s a sinful habit that is finally convincing you how much you need the support of people around you to make today different from yesterday.
It’s okay to ask for help. In fact, it could be vital for you to do so – even if it means rising above your pride. After all, isn’t that what we’re here for: to serve one another? One day in the future, God may use you to help someone else; but in the meanwhile, allow us to be there for you.
Indeed, we as a community – especially the church – thrive when we are helping one another. In fact, it gives God praise:
“… If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. …” (1 Peter 4:11b NIV 1984).
What about you?
You can use a pseudonym (fake name) when commenting.
- Has your situation finally taught you that you need the support of others?
- Who will you call today to get that support?
- How can we pray for you?
“It’s okay to ask for help.” This is a hard one at times for sure, but I do think it my be to help us rise above our pride at times. I know in my own case it has been anyway. Learning to submit one to another and finding our place in the family of God and really ministering to and being ministered by the body of Christ all to the glory of God. It reminds me of the scripture “they will know we are Christians by our love.” I frequently wonder where that love is? Perhaps it is right there in asking for help and helping others, hospitality.
“One day in the future, God may use you to help someone else; but in the meanwhile, allow us to be there for you.”
Oh Sheryl that is so beautiful and I know your heart; you really mean this. You are such a blessing.
Wow, Barbara. I never thought about it that way: one way people will see the Body of Christ’s love for one another can be in the way we ask for – and receive help from – each other. Barbara, that makes so much sense because we feel safer to ask for help from those who show us love. Great point, Barbara.
And thank you, for your kind words, once again. Yet, I have to say, dear friend, you have often been there for me – and for many others. SO … thank you for being such a blessing!
Asking for help. It’s always been difficult for me. I always felt like I should be able to handle everything, do everything, be everything for everyone.
There have been times in the last 12 years when I’ve felt so alone. I had fallen away from the church, but in my darkest times, where did I run? God the Father. I may have forgotten Him, but He never forgot me. And He has blessed me over and over again.
I remember your father fondly, by the way.
Hi, Phyllis! I am glad to hear that you have found God to be there for you in your darkest (and likely even in your brighter!) times. I pray you’re finding your way back to a great fellowship who loves God and teaches His Word. We really do need one another ~ they need you, Phyllis! 😉
Thank you for your words about my dad, Phyllis. And would you do me a favor? Don’t resist asking for help, okay? Including from me. I can at least pray for you – and be a listening ear.