Help!

When my twin boys were infants, I would take them to church on Sundays by myself along with my two year old little girl who was potty training. Where was my husband? He was already at church because he was the pastor. Doesn't everyone know the saying for ministers' wives, "single on Sundays"? No? Well, there's some truth in it. I would get myself and all three babies ready and head twenty something miles to church all alone. Exhausted already, I then unloaded three babies with two baby carriers along with diaper bags, my purse and Bible, and headed to worship the Lord. I would meet several people along the way who would say, "Do you need help?" My initial response, "No, I'm okay. I do this all the time by myself." But my insides were screaming, "Yes! I'm dying here! I need your help!"

Why didn't I tell the truth? Pride. Stupid pride. Mixed with fear. Stupid fear.

Getting help with children might seems like a silly example to you, but if I wouldn't ask for help in the difficult yet seemingly small daily tasks I faced, would I ask for help in the big things? Would I turn to others in hard times or just withdraw into myself thinking I could do it on my own? When I needed a friend, would I contact one? When I needed my husband, would I tell him? When I needed God, would I seek Him? The sad answer is no. Oftentimes, I did not. I tried to handle many things on my own, all the while bottling up some pretty nasty feelings inside.

When I finally reached rock bottom and asked for God's help, it was like a wave of relief crashed over me. Admitting to Him that I couldn't do life on my own was the best answer to my pride. Admitting to God that I needed other people in my life was the second best answer to it. By seeking godly counsel, I have become much more humble. These people keep me focused on Truth and reality. Now, it brings me great joy to say that I cannot do life alone.

I don't know what you're facing privately, but I know you don't have to do it alone. Seek help from Him and others. I implore you to humble yourself and set aside your fears. I have found that being vulnerable and transparent in struggles brings much relief, even when it doesn't immediately solve the problem. Ask for help!