"I know I'm not strong enough to be
Everything that I'm suppose to be
I give up, I'm not strong enough
Hands of Mercy, won't You cover me?
Lord, right now, I'm asking You to be
Strong enough, strong enough
For the both of us"
It dawned on me that I don't always have to be strong. I will seek Him first, but He also wants me to lean on others...
I have always been independent...and strong...and, well, capable. There are many things that I can do for myself, such as changing a flat tire, replacing a light fixture, hanging my own crown molding...things that a girl isn't "suppose" to know how to do. I am so thankful that my dad taught me these things. I am so thankful that my parents taught me how to be capable.
Sometimes, though, this can be a self-defeating attitude. When we feel so capable, this becomes a impermeable wall for others, like a brick fortress to keep others out. An attitude that we "know everything" and "can do everything" causes others to feel that they have nothing to offer us. As much as God wants us to lean on Him, he also wants us to lean on one another.
In Proverbs 18:1, it states "Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment."
When I think about "seeks his own desire", pride is the first word that comes to mind. Do we so often not ask for help out of pride? Why is it so wrong in today's society to say "I need help"? God made us to be interdependent. He obviously knew that we would need each other...or else Eve would have never come along. :O)
As I get older, it is easier for me to recognize and admit to my "weaknesses". A weakness does not mean a person is weak and incapable. On the contrary...it takes a lot of strength to admit these things. By doing so, I feel stronger...and supported...and loved.
One of the first songs that I learned as child stated "When I am weak, you are strong"...
...Isn't this what friendship and love are all about?
"Strong Enough" is a gorgeous song and one of my favorites. I am one that has a lot of trouble asking for help. Thank you for helping me remember it is OK to do so. Love you, T!
ReplyDeleteone day I "heard" the words too. You are right, it takes more strength to acknowledge need and invite others in than it does to keep them out.
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