Introduction Spending time with my 2-year-old grandson (and his mommy and daddy) has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Watching him grow and learn is a privilege, and it constantly reminds me of life's simplest yet deepest lessons. Lately, …
By Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter on July 7, 2024
Introduction
Spending time with my 2-year-old grandson (and his mommy and daddy) has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Watching him grow and learn is a privilege, and it constantly reminds me of life's simplest yet deepest lessons. Lately, we've been teaching him a crucial skill: asking for help. When he gets frustrated, he often squeals and screeches, not knowing how to express his need for assistance. Our goal is to teach him to use his words and ask for help when needed.
The Challenge of Asking for Help
This got me thinking about how, as adults—especially men—we often struggle with asking for help. We might not squeal and screech like a toddler, but our frustration can manifest in other, often unhealthy, ways. We might lash out in anger, withdraw into silence, or turn to harmful habits to cope. It's a universal challenge: the fear of appearing weak or incompetent keeps us from reaching out when we need it most.
Finding the Courage to Ask
Just as my grandson is learning to ask for help, we too must cultivate the courage to do the same. Life's challenges are too great to face alone, and we were never meant to bear our burdens in isolation. The Bible reminds us of the importance of community and the strength that comes from shared struggles. In the Old Testament, King Solomon reminds us:
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
We all need people in our lives we can turn to for support. If you don't have such people, it's crucial to make an effort to find them and cultivate those relationships. Join a community based around similar interests or hobbies (i.e., Bible study group, hiking club, etc.), make new friends, or seek out a support group. Sometimes, professional help from a counselor or therapist is necessary and incredibly beneficial. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it's a sign of wisdom and strength.
Reaching Out to God
In addition to seeking help from those around us, we should continually reach out to God. Jesus encourages us to do this:
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."
Jesus invites us to ask, seek, and knock—to actively reach out to God for help.
Further, the Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to "pray continually." This means maintaining an ongoing conversation with God throughout our day, bringing our needs, frustrations, and thanks to Him. God is always available, always listening, and always ready to provide the help we need. All we need to do is ask Him.
Embracing the Power of Prayer
Prayer is a powerful tool, not just for asking for what we need but for aligning our hearts with God's will and finding peace in His presence. When we pray, we acknowledge our dependence on God and open ourselves up to His guidance and strength. Paul encourages us:
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
As we teach my grandson to ask for help, I'll benefit from remembering to apply this lesson to my own life. I'll bet the same is true for you. Whether we need support from friends, family, or professionals, or we need divine assistance through prayer, asking for help is a crucial step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Let's embrace the wisdom in seeking help, knowing that it brings us closer to each other and to God. May we find the courage to ask, the humility to receive, and the grace to support others in their times of need. And in doing so, may we all experience the strength and peace that comes from being part of a loving, supportive community, and from being held in the strong arms of our loving Father.
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