Accepting help is hard for many people, myself included. I was raised to follow through on all obligations, never call in sick, and rise above any life challenges I’m facing. In many ways this fortitude has pushed me forward rather than get stuck in my circumstances.
Recently, I found myself in an extremely challenging space. I was emotionally wrecked. I had a commitment that evening and was trying to pull myself together. I could see my parents encouraging me to stuff it down and power through. This time I couldn’t stuff it down. It kept oozing out no matter what I tied.
I found myself on the phone with someone related to the commitment. She could hear the stress in my voice. I couldn’t hide in a phone call how was going to do it in person. She offered an alternate to my attending. Initially, I said I was fine and could make it work. This sister in Christ, bore my pain and reached out again. I reluctantly accepted the offer.
Accepting help was a gift to my soul. I needed to allow my body to release what it had already been carrying for a week.
6 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. (Galatians 6: 1-3 NIV).
I am slowly learning to listen to my body and accept help when I need it. Stuffing emotions has negative consequences physically and spiritually.
We are called to bear each other’s burdens. The challenges of life are not meant to be carried alone and accepting help nurtures one’s soul.
Are you able to accept help or do you have old tapes telling you to stuff your emotions? Share your story hear and breathe life and bring hope to others.