She stopped to adjust her baby on one hip while juggling luggage with the other. Her son came up behind with his kid-size rolling case and her husband scrambled ahead with dual strollers and a suitcase.
“Can I help you?” I asked.
“No,” she said. “I’ve got it.”
She resolutely forged ahead to find the airline desk.
“It’s okay to ask for help, mom,” I murmured.
How often have I refused help when it was obvious to everyone else I needed it?
Sure, a body can only be too careful in our world these days. But some of the best stories come from strangers helping one another.
How about your writing? Could you use some help with your assignments? A second set of eyes can scan for errors. Someone with grammar skills can hone the manuscript. A critique group can brainstorm catchy titles. A writing partner can polish ideas. A writers conference can open doors.
How will you ask for help to get to the place where you can soar?
Exercise:
- Elijah asked the most unlikely for a meal when he approached the widow. 1 Kings 17:7-16 says her cupboard was bare. She complied and the Lord provided. How can the Lord provide for another through your need? Purpose? Dignity? Companionship?
- Jesus asked the disciples for support when He wrestled with impending arrest. (Matthew 26:36-46) They were privy to the power of prayer when they later faced persecution and overwhelming circumstances. How can your anguish provide comfort to another who has a front row seat to your story? Persistence in pain? Perseverance in brokenness?
- Samuel needed help discerning the Lord’s call. When he asked Eli repeatedly for clarification, Eli recognized God’s hand on the boy. Who can you ask for help in seeking the Lord’s direction for your words? (1 Samuel 3:1-9)
- Mary and Martha asked Jesus for a healing. Instead, they got a resurrection.(John 11:1-45) Could your need provide a greater testimony to God’s work in your life?
- Jesus asked, “How many loaves do you have?”
The disciples replied, “Seven, and a few small fish.” (Matthew 15:32-38)
Maybe your small offering will be used to feed more than you can imagine?
Our words can open God’s Word when we vulnerably share our needs. Ask Him for help.
“He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)
Do you need a helping hand? It’s okay to ask.
Over 140 of Sally Ferguson’s devotionals have been published in Pathways to God (Warner Press). She’s also written for Light From The Word, Chautauqua Mirror, Just Between Us, Adult Span Curriculum, Thriving Family, Upgrade with Dawn and ezinearticles.com. Prose Contest Winner at 2017 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference.
Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon.
Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.
Visit Sally’s blog at sallyferguson.net
We love helping your growing in your writing career.
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