On Asking For Help

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.

—Philippians 4:10

When I was writing Bittersweet, I sent an e-mail to friends and family that said in part, “Bittersweet has a been a really difficult project for me. And it’s due in a month. I’m looking for a way to feel a little less isolated. I don’t know what that looks like. I just know that one of the best ways to feel stronger than you are is to invite the people you walk with into your life and days.”

By the end of the day, my inbox was bursting with messages. People prayed for me. They sent me scripture, poetry, cards, thoughtful texts, loads of great advice, and even gifts. They checked in with me, did careful reading, and gave great feedback.

People really do want to care for us and help us, but most of us are afraid to ask. I don’t often give my friends opportunities to enter into the messier moments of my life in real time and help me. But I did this time, and this is how I want to live: connected and not too proud to receive, honest and strong because the people around me are strong, and because they believe in me more than I believe in myself on some days.