Reaching Out

Recently during a weekly womens prayer group something got my wheels turning. I realized that it can be easily taken for granted the time we spend together in prayer. It's so nice to openly share painful feelings or life experiences without being judged. Although it is not easy - it is liberating. I wonder how marriages, families and people in general would be if they learned to lean on other every once in a while and hand the struggles over to God together.

It’s human nature to deny our need to reach out to others. It’s hard for us to admit that we can’t or shouldn’t do things alone. Who wants to admit that they need guidance or that they need a shoulder to lean on? Not many…

This has been a problem since the beginning of man. Even God looked upon Adam and knew it was not good for man to be alone. (Genesis 1) Take a look at Jesus and His ministry; even He didn’t do it alone. (Matthew 8)

We were not built to go through life to rely on ourselves alone. There’s a great saying, “a man who goes through life alone, dies alone – but a man who goes through life with friends, lives on forever.”

It isn’t easy letting the pride go and allowing people in, but it’s pivotal to every man’s success. I look back on my life and I can pinpoint great things that I could have done, if only I had reached out to others for help. I’ve missed quite a few opportunities because of my silly pride; opportunities that I may never have again. That’s the sad reality of it all.

Do you struggle with this? Can you pinpoint something you could have done, if only you had someone’s help? Is there something you could have done better with a friend near?

I’m in the beginning stages of “letting go and reaching out”. Some of you may not be to that point and others of you already reach out openly and I truly envy you!

Until next time, love everyone you see – show it with a jolly hello, a hug, or even a smile! Work on reaching out to others and if you know someone who has trouble reaching out – reach out to them, let them know you’re there.

PRAYER:

Lord, I have struggled with showing my feelings to others. Pride has been a barrier in my life for many years and I believe that only You have given me the ability to truly open up and I thank you. Lord, if there are areas in my life that I need to be more open about or lift up to you in prayer, I ask that you reveal those areas to me. I will always need your guidance and understanding. If there are others in my path who share in that need Lord, I ask that you open my eyes to them. Thank you for your growing grace. Amen.