Below is a quote by author and speaker, Brene Brown that I love. Pride is one of those insidious little things that can come through the cracks unaware and filter into our lives.
It is good to offer help. We are to be givers. It's Biblical. But, what about acknowledging that we need help?
We can have no problem asking for help in certain arenas and areas, but not in places where we feel great vulnerability, weakness, or even shame, and of course, that makes sense. We may have no problem buying groceries for someone who needs them but we would not be able to receive the same. We may spend quality time listening attentively and caring for someone and never be the one opening up to someone else. We will stress ourselves out to no end, lose sleep, and belittle our spouse before we ask anyone to help us with a project. We are the toddlers who say, "I do it myself!" We may have no problem serving lunch at a homeless shelter but we would starve before walking into one if we needed it. You get the picture.
The problem is that this sort of mindset divides people. Do not think for one second that those who find themselves in need, whatever that need may be, don't feel the leveling that goes on and the inward cringe in the gut at being on the receiving end.
As an example, this is in part why impoverished communities have little trust in those providing help. Please let that sink in. Division is often felt at a profoundly deep level and it impedes physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
I do not care who you are or where you have come from, you need help. There will always be an area where help is needed because Jesus did not die for the healthy, He came for the sick, and we are the sick.
One of the reasons the early church was so much a piece of heaven on earth is because each gave to the other. What one didn't have, another could supply and vice versa. There was no, "other side of the tracks." Those are the communities that work the best. Those are the churches that work the best - the families, marriages, friendships, co-workers, and neighbors. I see you and you see me.
We like to say that we are not better than anyone else. We can come across so very humble and godly but shoot, let's admit that it's a false humility because every single one of us has either consciously or subconsciously felt we are better than another person (and by golly, we are not asking for help)! It's called pride and it is a sin we all get entangled in even while we may not be aware of it. The enemy loves the "unaware" part best.
God intended us for healthy and safe connection with each other. Connection is an unbelievable healer. I see it all the time and I know how much it has healed me. Without it, we lose out. We don't arrive at full potential. It makes it hard for authenticity, growth, and maturity the way God designed.
Humble people ask for help. Humble people admit that they need help. Jesus was humble and He is/was King of the universe.
Shame is a liar.
Pride is foolish.
Truly, let's promote honest and authentic connection in safety, with each other. It's the place where stuff flourishes and you are worth having that.
No comments:
Post a Comment