Letting Others Step In To Help

Letting Others Step In to Help

Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters.

My daughter Jasmine was several hours away at a friend’s cabin and having what appeared to be a slight allergic reaction to a large amount of pollen in the area where they were staying. As I talked to Jasmine on the phone, I could tell that she was crying. Her friend’s mother, Angela, was with her and was so sympathetic and caring, offering to give Jasmine some antihistamine and oils. We hung up the phone while she was still a little teary, and I felt so helpless to do anything to comfort her. All night long, I tossed and turned, praying that she was sleeping well and feeling better.

The next morning, as I was waiting for a text from Angela about how the night had gone, I called Julie and told her my concern. She listened and then immediately offered to pray for Jasmine. As she did, she reminded me that sometimes as mothers we have to allow others to step in and mother our children when we cannot. That is what good friends are for. As I sat thinking about her words, Angela texted me back: “Good morning! Jasmine feels great today. The girls fell asleep watching a movie last night and slept well all night! I got up a few times to check on them just in case. We are so relieved Jasmine is feeling well!” Relief washed over me as I saw her words, and then gratitude followed as I realized this other mama was willing to care for Jasmine when I could not.

We cannot be another person’s everything—even our kids will find that they need to depend on others from time to time, and that is a good thing. We weren’t created to be anyone’s savior. We need to recognize that God gave us family through the friends around us and that we are to love and help each other as if we were brothers and sisters. We were meant to do life within a community of people who can support us (and our kids!) when we aren’t able. Don’t be ashamed of needing help from others; we weren’t meant to go through life alone.

— Kendra

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Don’t try to do everything on your own—ask a friend for help.