Such beautiful words… whether we say them, or they are said to us.
Many of us want to help when those we care about are struggling.
We want to help but fear, confusion, or misunderstanding holds us back.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13
Life often gets in the way of living…and its hard to ask for help of those who are so eager to help in so many ways. The question often remains is when do we ask, when do we know we need help? I’m learning that fact recently. I want to jump up and down and say, “I am woman, hear me roar!”
I have often asked the question, who cares for the caregiver? What I didn’t ask myself was when are you going to accept help for yourself?
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” Galatians 5:22
One thing I know for sure, God answers prayers… it may not be what we are looking for, but He is listening…our journeys may take us up hills, over rocky roads and around bends we never thought we would travel, but we are never alone. The fruit of the Spirit often shows up in phone calls to say hi, visits to help so you can run errands, bringing dinner and staying to share, or muffins and staying for coffee. It even brings joy to my heart when I go to the post and there is a card saying, “Thinking of You.”
“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27
Our struggles are real, big or little, Peace is such a comforting word. Offer it in a touch, a hug or just being there. Our outside faces are received as being able to cope with a stiff upper lip. The winds of change have us very vulnerable on the inside. Whether you are offering help, or the one receiving help trust in the Lord. The power of prayer is our first step in comforting others or ourselves.
Pam Oelke, Ontario VP Member Development
from the Member Development Committee of LWML-Canada