I hope to inspire and encourage others through my own life experiences and my faith ...

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Stand By Me? Ok ... Maybe ...

1 Thessalonians 5:11 "So encourage each other and build each other up ..."

I hate going to the gym ... you practically have to tie me up and drag me there.  You would probably never see me running on the treadmill if it were up to me showing up on my own.  I know it's good for me and that it's important but I don't like it ... plain and simple.  The times that I am there and stick with the routine of going are when I am with my girlfriends.  There is something about having that support person with you that makes it so much easier to endure.  She encourages me while I trudge through and provides the support that I need.  In the end I feel so great about going and doing something good for myself !

The same can be true in other areas of our life.  We all face struggles at some point in our lives ... whether it be the struggle of a hard day at home with the little ones, the struggle of a crumbling marriage, the struggle of a daunting project, the struggle with a loss of a job or a loved one ... Who can you turn to when those issues hit?

I am a very independent person.  I don't like to accept help, I don't like people to know when I am struggling and I often times try to resolve my issues on my own in the quiet of my own little world.  It is very hard for me to let people in and see me when I am weak.  If I let my guard down, won't people see my vulnerability and look down on me?  Isn't it safer to just keep it all in and try to get through it on my own?  It is certainly more comfortable to do things that way ...

Over the last year God has been teaching me so much about humility.  I've learned that keeping my insecurities, fears and struggles inside just because I am afraid of what people will think about me is pride.  Maybe He is letting me face these struggles because my experiences will help me make an even more powerful impact on someone else then if I just try to comfort alone.   

I've been blessed with some amazing friends who have patiently watched me slowly break down the walls of my pride.  They stand by me and support me through my struggles, encourage me when I am down and make me comfortable enough to open up about the hard things.  When they see me open up and share they are comfortable to do the same.  We tackle life so much better in teams and it is so much more joyful to share in celebration when we have made it through together. 

God has blessed us with community.  He wanted us to have fellowship with others and be able to lean on each other in good times and bad.  We aren't made to sit alone and try to fix our problems ourselves.  Isn't it awesome that He has given us such a wonderful gift?!  Next time you are facing struggles that you are scared of sharing or seeking support about, consider letting someone in.  Sometimes He uses other people as tools to do His mighty works in our lives.  As with the gym situation, sometimes having a companion walk with you through the daunting situations in life allows things to be so much easier and more manageable.  Likewise, we should remember to be on the watch for our friends facing difficult times.  Offer encouragement, lift them up in prayer and be the friend that you would want there for you. 

What impact has supportive friends had on your life?  Do you find that the dark situations are easier to handle when you let someone in rather then dwelling in them alone?

9 comments:

  1. I think its easy for me as an introvert to not let people in, but when I do it is mostly worth my time. I don't allow just anyone, but the people that have earned my trust have been patient enough with me to go the long haul with me. It's hard though to find people like that, I think. I don't have family left really who I can count on so my close friends have been my family. If I didn't have them, I don't know what I would do. Great insights :)

    www.crossdrivenhome.com
    Michelle

    ReplyDelete
  2. following you from blog frog. I love your blog and enjoyed reading your thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think your support network of close friends definitely helps you through the dark times in life!

    Came to visit you from Blog Frog. Do you use Google Friend Connect?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your description of your inner self is describing me, wow what a reflection, over the years I have learned to ask for help and to assert myself alot, gaining strength and confidence with the lords help and guidance. You have a very pretty blog, the way it looks and what it says. ; )

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ecc 4:12 "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

    This is one of my favorite verses to remind me that we are called into community, not to be Lone Ranger Christians. And your comments about humility are so right...it IS hard sometimes! But when we've really known the sweet fellowship of walking beside those who will love and accept us FOR WHO WE ARE, we are really blessed! And strengthened!

    Thanks for the encouragement!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Are you talking about me? The way you describe yourself sounds just how I feel. I too struggle with keeping my insecurities and fears to myself, and yes, you are right, it is pride. As for asking for help, forget it! I have been so dependent upon myself (instead of God) for so long, it's hard to let go of that control. But, I am slowly learning to let go and "let God", one little step at a time.

    I found your blog through blogfrog, and am now following you through GFC. I would be honored to be your blogging buddy. Just come on by my blog anytime, Frugal Experiments and contact me through comments or through my contact form, or through email.

    Have a blessed weekend.

    Theresa

    ReplyDelete
  7. I loved your post on (in)courage. I didn't connect it at first until your post on blog frog for followers. I clicked over to check your blog out and found that post. I am now following you on GFC. Please, follow me http://homeschoolblogger.com/hillarym . Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you for your vulnerability, Sarah. Your experiences and lessons learned and honesty will impact many.

    christan

    ReplyDelete
  9. I identify with this so very much. The last couple of years have been filled with test and trials. So difficult, and so much to learn. I don't really have a community to reach out to - though at my lowest point I did find help in prayer, belief, and one, rather unexpected, person! I enjoy your writing and am certainly subscribing to your blog. Glad to have found you!

    ReplyDelete