Do you like asking for help?
I don’t.
Living in a wheelchair highlights my quest for the illusion of independence. I work hard to fashion my environment so I can “do it myself.” I don’t want others doing everyday tasks for me. I’d prefer to avoid asking for help.
Accepting assistance when it’s offered is difficult enough. Asking for help with something I’d rather be able to do by myself forces me to relinquish control and acknowledge that I’m not master of my universe.
I don’t think this issue is unique to someone who struggles with physical challenges. We all want that illusion of independence and control.
Of course, it IS an illusion. We don’t do any sort of quality life by ourselves. We follow Jesus in communities. We help people confront adversity and fear in relationships. We serve and use our gifts and encourage others within circles.
Frankly, that’s one of the things I like most about speaking to groups and about writing blogs and books and articles. I’m constantly reminded that I’m part of a circle and the words are more about the audience than about me. I sit here tapping away all by myself, but the whole thing’s pretty meaningless without you.
If I really want the words to reach people, I need your help.
Sometimes I imagine that I can somehow magically expand the circle and find people who might benefit from my experiences. I sit here in front of a screen and pretend that I can do it by myself.
I can’t. I need your help.
I need your attention, ideas, and feedback. Re-tweets and Facebook “likes” help me know what’s connecting with you. Your comments on the blog or on Facebook mean a great deal to me, and they draw others into the discussion.
I need you to share and spread the word. When something here seems helpful, I need you to share and recommend it via Facebook, Twitter, email, or smoke signals.
I need you to subscribe (see the big red button) if you haven’t, because subscriptions let me know you’re out there. I need that encouragement.
I need you to help me find speaking opportunities. Your suggestions and recommendations can open doors and allow me to talk to a wider audience about hope and dreams.
I hope this article isn’t entirely self-serving. I hope I’m offering something to you in return, an opportunity to share and serve others as well as me. And I hope I’m providing a reminder that life is about relationships and service.
I’d like to be independent and in control. I’m not. I can’t do this by myself.
I need your help.
Do you scramble in search of the illusion of independence? How can you embrace the reality that God created us for relationships?
Please leave a comment.
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