Reach Out
She reached out and grabbed for my hand. It was an unusual move for my elderly mother; she thrives on her independence. She had spent two and a half days in the hospital for a blockage in her colon. The doctors and hospital staff had solved the issue, but she hadn’t eaten or moved for her two days of incarceration. She was strong of mind and weak in body. She must have felt very unsteady to have reached so quickly for my strength. We moved slowly to the car. I was careful to match my pace to what I felt she was capable of handling. Her steps were more shuffle than walking. She knew where she was going, she knew how to get there, and she couldn’t get there on her own.
We’ve all been there haven’t we? We want to do things on our own. Our culture encourages us to be individuals with independence. We fiercely declare: I can do it! We’ve been shouting our independence since we were toddlers. And yet all of us have those seasons when we need to count on the strength of others.
Ecclesiastes 4:9 & 10 says “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.” (CSB) Paul in Acts 20:35 challenges us “…to help the weak…” (CSB) Hebrews 10:24 says, “Let us watch out for one another to provoke love and good works.” (CSB) Romans 15:1-4 talks about strengthening others when their faith is not as mature as our own. As believers, I think we are so aware that we are to be strong for others, we forget to acknowledge our moments when we need others to step in and steady us. We struggle to admit we need to grasp someone else’s hand so we can take the necessary steps forward.
I’ve been learning practical lessons about leaning on others as I’ve made myself available for my mom to lean on me. The first lesson is to ask for help. It’s okay to say you can’t do it all. God doesn’t expect us to do everything; we are the body of Christ and not the individuals of Jesus (Romans 12:4 & 5). Second, don’t make everything all about you. It’s easy when circumstances are hard to fall into the pattern of complaining and focusing only on what we are experiencing. Sadly, this clouds our perspective and positions us to be unaware when someone reaches out to steady us (James 1:2-4). Third, open your eyes to how you can still meet the need of someone else. Often, those we reach out to for help are also struggling with something. Remember we are Christ’s body, working together, supporting one another for the purposes of God. There is comfort and power in knowing you are standing in strength together (Philippians 2:1-4).
Galatians 6:2 tells us we are to carry one another’s burden. Sometimes we help someone carry their load; sometimes we are the one who is weighed down. It doesn’t make any difference; we are to be in it together. We were not created to journey alone. God is gracious to bless us when we serve, and when we are the one being served. Reach out your hand.
