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This week, I found myself sitting in my driveway crying over a situation I can’t control and hurts I can’t help. I had done the mama thing and walked outside so my kids wouldn’t see the complete meltdown I felt coming. And it did.
I hit the pavement and let the tears flow. I was awash in my own weakness, my inability, inadequacy, ineptitude. It hurt, and I needed help.
I prayed for it. I asked God to give it to me, to show me the way, to give me wisdom. He gave me an idea.
I picked up my phone and called a friend. I knew she was dealing with her own hurts that day, but I dialed her number anyway. I poured out my problems. I cried. She cried. We talked. Then she prayed.
She had no answers. She didn’t have wisdom I was missing. She was just there, pretty much as weak as I was.
But together we were stronger.
It’s amazing how often we try to walk through this world alone. We try to sort out everything ourselves. And the weight of all the burdens is almost unbearable.
Because we were never meant to carry them alone.
Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Y’all, we’re weak. We’re not strong enough for all the things we face. The Spirit of God helps us, but so do his people.
We just have to let them.
It’s hard though, isn’t it? I mean, God knows my weaknesses, but my friends? Not so much. I don’t always want them to see the sin or the struggle or the selfishness I sometimes feel.
The problem is: they can’t help carry my burdens if they have no idea what they are.
We have to be honest, transparent, real.
I’m not saying we have to advertise our flaws and failings. I’m just saying we have to stop pretending they’re not there.
Our friends can’t help us if we’re hiding.
So, when you are weak, reach out. Phone a friend. Go grab some coffee and have some conversation. Let them listen. Pause while they pray.
Walk away with your load a little lighter because you are not carrying it alone.
*****
On Friday, I join a great group of writers at KateMotaung.com for Five Minute Friday. Join us! Also, if you haven’t already, be sure to link up your latest encouraging, faith-filled post at Encouraging Word Wednesday!
Reaching out helps doesn’t it? Visiting from fmf
It makes a huge difference! Thanks for visiting!
“Y’all, we’re weak. We’re not strong enough for all the things we face. The Spirit of God helps us, but so do his people.” Amen! This is where we can let technology be a tool for good. I fought getting into texting because it seemed so impersonal. But I now have a few girl friends that I know I can text whenever with mommy melt down kind of moments. It has helped. Because we can vent but not in front of our kids. Because we can encourage each other and sometimes seeing the words written down makes them easier to remember. Plus we can look back later and see how God uses us in each other’s lives.
You are so right! I am TERRIBLE at texting, but it does make communication easier, especially for busy moms who don’t get to visit face to face nearly enough!
I love your comment that people can’t help carry our burdens if they don’t know what they are. It is so important to share our struggles and support one another.
Thank you! You are right…sharing our struggles and supporting each other is vital to life in Christ.
This is beautiful.
Thank you!
These words rang so true. My natural response to stress and sadness is isolation. It comes from a good place: I don’t want to be an inconvenience; I don’t want to be self-centered. But it also robs my friends and family of the opportunity to encourage, love, and support me. As you say, “our friends can’t help us if we’re hiding.” I hope that your burdens are feeling a less heavy today. Your words have certainly relieved some of mine.
Our lives don’t feel so broken when we help another put their’s back together. Loved this post.
Thank you!
This is a great post. I’m sharing it on my Facebook page next week. Your neighbor at #fmf.
Thank you, Sarah! Glad to meet you through #fmf!
I love this!!! Just had a friend be there for me tonight–it’s hard to admit weakness, but there is such encouragement to my heart when I can open it up to others and let them in. There is beauty in the tears shared w/a friend over the phone that you don’t get from a sad/teary emoji on FB! Your post made me pause and thank God for the blessings of those who will share in our weak moments!
I have a friend who calls them “holy tears.” I am so glad you had a friend when you needed one!
Charlie, this is such a heart rendering post. I love that you called your friend and that you both prayed together. It is wonderful to have friends like that (I am STILL praying for one!). I’d like to feature your post on Grace and Truth this week. Thanks for linking up.