Are you OK with asking for help?

This article has been running through my mind for a couple of weeks. I haven’t wanted to write it, but today I am feeling convicted to do so.

Have you ever known that you needed help or something, but just couldn’t bring yourself to ask? I know I have. The thoughts in my head told me that:

• I could just figure this out for myself.…
• That I didn’t want to bother anyone…
• That this is my task or my burden, and I’ve got to be the one who resolves it…
• That I can’t show other people how incompetent I am by asking someone for help on a problem that probably isn’t that difficult.

Do any of these resonate with you? If so, please read on...

So, why is this coming up now? Recently, my best friend's son took his own life. He was an amazing kid... mid-30s, handsome with an amazing beard, had tons of great friends, was full of life, and always had a joke for you. He was the kid that was always getting people together, always lifting them up, and always there for them. At his funeral, there were hundreds and hundreds of people who would’ve done anything to help. I was definitely one of them. But like everyone else there, we had no idea that he needed us... we had no idea that he was struggling with anything of this magnitude.

Why am I telling this sad story to you today?

Because sometimes, the habit of not asking for help starts with something small and inconsequential. Maybe today you’re feeling tired or sad and you just need a little energy. You could reach out to someone for a few minutes of conversation that might uplift you and give you more energy, but you don't.

Or maybe it’s a task that you’ve been putting off, that you know would add value to your world in some way and lighten the burden that you carry, but you don’t wanna bother anyone or maybe you don’t wanna look stupid, or inept. I mean other people are busy, too, right?

Or, maybe the small habits have turned into something bigger for you. Maybe, you’re starting to question who you are. Maybe you were starting to wonder why your actions don’t match your heart. Maybe you’re starting to wonder, like my best friend's son, if life is even worth living. With all that's going on in the world, your brain may be telling you that you just don't matter.

I'm here to tell you that you DO MATTER!

I'm here to tell you that there are people who WANT you to REACH OUT to them. They would love to help! How do I know? Because I'm one of them. I find great pleasure and joy in helping others and I know thousands of other people who do too.

If you are struggling, PLEASE give someone the opportunity to be a blessing in your life. Maybe, even though you're struggling, you can even reach out and be a blessing in someone else's life.

PLEASE reach out to have a chat with someone you care about. Just check in with them. When you ask them how they are doing, and they say "fine," dig a little deeper. Ask them what emotions they've been experiencing recently. Be prepared to share a little of your own emotions with them.

Human beings are amazing. They can surprise you in good ways and in some not-so-good ways. One thing I have learned though is that most human beings find joy in being able to help and serve their friends, colleagues, and acquaintances; heck, many of us even enjoy helping complete strangers.

Rather than struggle with your challenge, obstacle, feelings, and or thoughts, please take a moment today to start a new habit. Let’s reach out to another and ask for help. The solution to your problem, the comfort to your crisis, the love to conquer the hurt might just be a phone call, a text message, or a step away.

You don't have to struggle alone. We've all been in those places and there are many folks who are willing to lend a non-judgmental ear or shoulder to help you through these times.

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P.S. If you'd like to share your challenges or share something inspiring or uplifting to others, please comment below. Your words just might help another human soul today.