I have a very independent nature. Some would even call it Stubborn, or Strong Willed! I’ve always found it difficult to say these 3 words “I Need Help!”. Yet during this difficult season of Joe’s illness, I have watched as he has grown more and more helpless. The once “Strong as an Ox” man needs help to stand, eat, bathe, dress, and even breathe. At first, Joe didn’t want people to see him use a walker, and now it usually takes 2 people just to get from the bed to a motorized scooter or chair. With each progressive step of weakness came an equally progressive lesson in humility . Instead of becoming bitter, he has Grown softer, always with a smile saying “it is what it is”. Funny how the word GROWN more helpless rings so true in a Biblical perspective. Jesus said in Matthew 18:3 “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” Like a child who is Dependent and has to Grow into Independence, we as adults who think we are Independent, have to Grow into Dependence!
With 7 grandchildren from 9 months to 11 years old, I marvel at each stage of their growth. The 9 month old needs help to eat, stand, bathe, and walk. The 6 year old needs help to read, and ride a bike, while the 11 year old mainly just needs help to navigate through middle school drama! How many times when our children ask us for help, do we say “You can do it!”. We Teach them, Encourage them, and even Scold them to be More Independent . . . as we should! Yet, the Pride of Independence we Grow into, is the very thing we have to GROW into humbly, laying down in order to follow Christ! Because in the end, no matter how strong, talented, or independent you are, when you are Not strong enough, talented enough, or independent enough to save yourself or the ones you love . . . . Then you Need Help! THAT is exactly what Jesus came to do for us! 2 Corinthians 12:9 “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
You see, it is Not a sign of weakness that we say “I need help”, but a sign of Growth, Humility, and Obedience! I am Not strong enough on my own to navigate the deep waters of grief. It gives me Peace when I do cry out for “Help!”, my Heavenly Father with outstretched arms is saying “You can do it Child, I’m right here, I won’t let you drown. Just put one foot in front of the other, take a deep breath, and Know that I will never leave you or forsake you!”.
Father forgive me when I think I don’t need help, and attempt to do things on my own! My Pride disguised as Independence ultimately leads me into bondage of a life of striving to be enough. Help me to see that by my admitting that I am totally Dependent on You, I am truly Free! Help me not to try and hide my weaknesses, because it is only through my weaknesses that YOU are glorified! And when I see another person suffering in a time of weakness, may I come alongside them to be Your hands and feet of strength, even if it is for just a moment, as so many have done for me.
Powerful words on humility and growth. Much needed and appreciated.
Your words, your heart, your ‘translation’ speaks to my heart and brings light into dark corners. Much love ❤️ 🌟💕🙏.
You are not weak…both Joe and you, I have witnessed are stronger than life itself. I often look above and say why do you put so much on my shoulders….my priest says he doesn’t put on your plate what you can’t handle. So i don’t ask anymore the why me. I just say thank you for this life you have given me, and the family that has surrounded me….along with precious friends.
I love this picture! “I need help”… and all those super heros in the picture! What a poignant depiction! It reminds me again that God has us constantly on a path where we are to trust Him completely! He often lets us run off ahead but eventually we find our way back into His loving arms. I needed this today Julie. Thank you! God’s got this. I’m so thankful He has you and all your “super heros” too!
Good morning Julie and Joe. keeping all of you in my prayers. Julie, thank you for this beautiful message. I wish I could express how much your writing has helped Jeff and I. You are truly an angel, to those of us that need to read these words.
Much love, and many prayers.
Kathy Ratliff
Love you Julie Weaver! Your so wise and strong Praying for you and your family
Everyone needs to read this beautiful message. Those who have cried out I NEED HELP to their Father in Heaven know this and most likely discovered He was always beside us. Your words today made me feel very present to life and honest love … through it all.
This so speaks to me! I continue to lift Joe and you in my prayers!
Beautifully said Julie. Asking for help would be very difficult for me as well. I empathize with you on that point. Prayers for strength and comfort during this very difficult time. Much love. ❤️
Your words ring so true. Even almost 3 years after my son’s death I am still learning to lean completely on my Lord. “God is not a man that he should lie nor a son of man that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act does he promise and not fulfill.” (Numbers 23;19-20) There have been days when I have not felt the Lord’s presence, yet I have leaned hard on the promises of God. It’s all a journey but we don’t walk it alone.
Most challenging one to me personally yet!! Lord help me to grow more in my dependence.
Beautiful. We are praying for His courage, strength, provision and mercy for you all.
As always Julie , you say just what I need to hear!
Love and prayers🙏❤️
Julie, even in your weakness, you are a strong woman of God. Your strength and faith are inspiring. Love to you and your family!
Thank you for sharing Julie! Beautifully written
Julie, what a blessing your words have been to my soul. I think of you and Joe often. With a heavy heart, we are lifting your family in prayer. – Cliff and Leah Lauchlan