Comments on: Accepting help

By: Repayment for a friend : Conversion Diary

Repayment for a friend : Conversion Diary — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:37:34 +0000

[...] I couldn’t possibly…” reaction, but I remembered that I’m trying to work on accepting the help that God sends me so I said a reluctant yes. “Besides,” I thought presciently, “Letting someone [...]

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:36:41 +0000

I understand that many in the Church feel like they have to be 'in control' to be a good Christian but I have a friend 'outside' the Church who doesn't want to give up 'control' to God.

How did being a 'control freak' make it difficult for you to give control over to God and to put your trust in His Sovereignty for your all aspects of your life?

By: Elizabeth Kathryn Gerold-Miller

Elizabeth Kathryn Gerold-Miller — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 02:14:00 +0000

I always had trouble asking for help and my friends and family thought I was so self-sufficient that they stopped offering. So when I really needed it, homeschooling and pregnant with my fourth, I felt really frustrated and alone. Now my children are old enough to give me the help I need, and I enrolled my children in Catholic school, so things are much better. If you take the time to train your children to do things themselves, it really pays off down the road. Many blessings on a healthy pregnancy! I found your post through Koala Bear Writer.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:23:00 +0000

i’m trying to catch up…have been taking a media break so to say. but i completely relate…your description of yourself completely fits me too to a T.

By: Jennifer F.

Jennifer F. — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:23:00 +0000

Unfortunately I haven’t had much time to respond to comments, but I just wanted to quickly jump in and thank you all for your thoughts.

One thing that jumps out at me is that a few people talked about resisting help for fear that the person helping would realize that our kids / homes / etc. are not “perfect” — YES! That wasn’t clear in my mind when I wrote the post, but that is a *big* issue (linked to pride, of course) that I need to work on as well.

Anyway, thank you all again! I always read every comment, I just don’t always have a chance to reply.

By: Marianne Thomas

Marianne Thomas — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 13:47:00 +0000

Jennifer, I stumbled your site earlier this week and this is my first chance to get back.

Love it! I’m a cradle Catholic but I was raised by only one Catholic parent (the other, an avowed atheist), so your story resonates with me.

Ok, ’nuff about me.

On this issue of help – been there. I had 3 kids in 4.5 years and moved 2x during that period. Life was busy.

But taking help from others always seemed a sign of weakness on my part. Looking at it now (and I still need help, baby!), I see myself wrapped in pride rather than humility.

I told a friend of mine once (four kids, same issue) that sometimes the biggest gift you can give another person is to graciously accept their gift of themselves, their help and concern. As a mommy trying to be SuperMommy, this can be challenging, but it’s good for the souls of all involved.

Must run along to my wee tribe! I’ll be back soon to read more!

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 06:53:00 +0000

Being a new mom I’ve had to face this, too. I always loved having it all together – tidy house, bills paid, plenty of sleep, cookies baked, friends corresponded with – you get the picture. But when my daughter came all of that stopped and I had to swallow my pride. Grandmas help with laundry. Friends, family and former coworkers are providing meals. What I’ve learned is that many people offer and more importantly – THEY MEAN IT! You just have to ask while the offer still stands.

And at this point there is no one I’m afraid of asking for help. I guess I always wanted to be the Good Samaritan, but really, at least right now, I’m the Jew who’s been beaten and robbed.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 06:08:00 +0000

As I was blog hopping tonight, I happened upon your blog and spotted this post.
I really enjoyed reading it and all the great comment from the other bloggers.
It made me ponder my own situation and letting others help. I don't have a choice in letting others help me. Just something I have to do. By no means is it easy for me to accept this though, still working on that part.
What really struck me while reading the comments though, was the mention of the Works of Mercy. That's something we learn and teach to our children, but I had never given it any thought that there has to be people on the receiving end of those acts of mercy.
I'm sure the Good Lord lead me here tonight to help me to be a better receiver of the acts that all the kind people in my life are called to do.

Sheesh, now I feel like an ungrateful brat. I better go pray in thanksgiving for all my Blessings.

By: The Koala Bear Writer

The Koala Bear Writer — Sat, 31 May 2008 18:12:00 +0000

oooh, you hit a nail on the head. #1 advice to new moms: let others help you. Me? I’m like you – too proud to ask for help and a bit of a control freak. So when I break down exhausted and me hubby reminds me of everyone who would help if only I asked… well, you’ve reminded me I need to keep working on this.

By: Momma Mary

Momma Mary — Sat, 31 May 2008 03:36:00 +0000

Has God given you a direct line to the thoughts in my mind, and the way I feel? I have certainly been struggling with this lately.

You are with it!