by Linda Mose Meadows
“When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.”
- Harriet Beecher Stowe
Friends, I declare God knows our intentions. For several days, I have mentally been crafting this particular inspirational column. Just when I wondered what I would share, something occurred to me. As I made my way up the concrete stairwell to my office, I was carrying an overstuffed tote bag filled with all my essentials, inclusive of my walking shoes. I balanced that with heavy lunch bag. Every girl needs her purse. So needless to say I was truly weighed down. Before I could reach to open the door one of the Housekeeping Staff pushed open the door and said, “You’re carrying a lot this morning. A little weighed down- I see you needed a little assistance.” I was initially embarrassed and almost forgot my manners. Smiling, I said, “Thank you for your help.” Well my friends that’s it in a nut shell. Truly I don’t need to say another thing because the lovely woman on the other side of the door instantly stepped in; she assessed the situation and knew help was warranted. In my heart I thanked her profusely!
Our worlds are bogged down with the stress of hectic lifestyles, family drama, meager wages, health concerns and a beleaguered economy. Daily news bombards our senses with these forecasts and we try hard to live out our lives. All of these variables help perpetuate our frayed nerves. Our heavy loads mirror my arms filled with “carry-alls”! Any moment the contents of my bags would have been spilling over! On most days given our concerns -we truly are carrying the world in our arms, and on top of our shoulders! It’s daunting when we think about the responsibilities that most of us face.
But what of the heavy burdens that we’ve privately tucked away and don’t divulge readily? What happens to that baggage? Thank goodness for available assistance.
Doors of hope are available when assistance is warranted. Let me encourage you to graciously receive the help you need. It may be the help provided at our local churches and human service agencies. There are seasons when we aren’t adequately able to handle the load. Don’t be timid or afraid to seek out assistance. It’s awkward, I understand, asking. But I pray that help will be in arms reach. I hope that on the instances where you won’t ask, an angel of mercy will hone in on your need and rescue you! It’s a very good thing to be strengthened by the reserve of grace to look up and see mercy holding the door entreating you to come on in. Can’t you hear their voice, “I’ve been waiting just for you!”
P.S. When all else fails seek out your local United Way, they have a list of human service agencies affiliated with a host of agencies that will readily address your need. Be encouraged!
Linda Mose Meadows is a blogger, an inspirational author of The Blessedness of Believing: A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises (Tate Publishing) and co-publisher of Eyes of Faith Magazine. http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
