A Helping Hand

 

I’ll admit it…I don’t like asking for, and even accepting, help.  As far back as I can recall, I have wanted to solve my own problems and pull myself through difficult situations.  Once I married Jim, I did allow him into my attempts at self-support, but I have never relished the idea of adding too many others to that private club.  Perhaps some of you can relate?

The reality is that there have been, and continue to be, times when I/we have needed support from others.  Often, it has taken some begging on the part of others before I could accept what they offered.  Some strong-willed, determined folks didn’t offer…they simply came and gave of themselves without listening to my pleas for them to “let me do it.”  I’m always amazed by those people:  I think that I’m stubborn, but it takes an entirely different level of mulishness to fight back.  Well-played, all of you!

Interestingly enough, while I struggle with receiving help from others, I am a firm believer in providing the same when I can.  In fact, it’s my belief that our purpose is to serve and support others. Maybe that’s why I struggle to accept help - because I think I should be the one giving it?  Hmm, I know this is an area of personal growth on which I still have work to be done…

But when it comes to helping others, I will do so when I can.  In fact, yesterday didn’t post because I found myself doing just that:  helping someone who needed my time and assistance.  It really got me thinking about the ways we can help those close to us, but also help, in a more general sense, with the world outside our social circles.  

Hopefully most people provide assistance for a purely selfless reason: because they want to make a difference in the lives of others.  I acknowledge that there are barriers to this desire.  Money and time spring to mind.  

While it can be a limitation for some, many people choose to give monetary contributions in lieu of personal time.  Most charitable organizations are ready and willing to accept donations, and that can be a great way to be of service, especially when we have limited time to spend.  Yes, there are considerations to make when offering money to an organization.  How will they spend it?  Does it really go to those in need, or does it line the pockets of the board of directors?  Just a bit of research will answer those questions.  If the money addresses a need that you support, by all means, send it!

But throwing money at an issue isn’t the only way to help.  If you have time you can make a personal difference in the lives of others and in support of organizations and issues.  Volunteering is a beautiful way to share your love and support of others.  Many churches and non-profit groups rely on their volunteers to carry out their work “on the ground.”  I love some of the creative ways to volunteer that are described on this website.  Many of them can be done from home, although if you can get out into the community, I believe you will reap rewards because you will see the impact, the succor, that your support is providing.  

However you choose to help your fellow man, the environment, or a specific activity or project, is up to you.  I just want to encourage you to be a helper.  Even in the depths of our personal struggles, there are many, many who suffer through far worse.  If we can shine a light of joy and love in their life, let’s do it.  We all know how it feels to stand at the bottom of our mountain and not have any idea how to ascend.  Let’s be that helping hand so others can continue their own climb!