Enable, that’s the word of the week provided for us by Miss Kate. To enable is to give (someone or something) the authority or means to do something. My question today is, how best to enable? What can we do to enable others to get or have or become whatever it is needed?
How best to enable
It’s but a moment
Takes just a couple of seconds,
Help me.
But in that help me
Might come some baggage.
A help me always
Requires a giving
A showing of need.
Sometimes, just sometimes
That’s a very hard thing to do.
I had a friend
Years past, Who lived
Close to the pocketbook.
Things were hard, but
Asking for help, harder.
I never understood this
This reticence to
Ask for help.
Until, older age and pain
Crept in, and asking for help. Hard.
That admitting of weakness.
That internal feeling of
Shame, and regret, and sorrow.
So I ponder
How do we enable
the asking of help?
While ensuring the
Continuation of dignity?
I admittedly have
No solid answer, but
I’m learning.
That conversations matter,
The taking time to listen.
Or even the taking time
To explain the why,
Or even to not explain.
Sometimes, the offer made
is all that is needful.
Without the expectation
that only you,
Can meet a need.
Sometimes the best way
to enable.
Is while listening
just lend a hand
without explanation.
And perhaps we will learn
how best to enable.
Scriptural basis
Exodus 17:12
When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.
Galatians 6:2
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
I loved the question you’ve raised here. Sometimes it’s easier to give than to receive! But yes, we must be mindful of how we give, our attitude and our sensitivity to the recipient will make such a difference.
Visiting from #FMF
it is very much easier to give then to receive, but being on the receiving end is harder than I would have thought.
Yes – how to enable the asking of help! Good question. x
people mustn’t be made to feel less than…..
Listening is the best enabler!!! That is so correct!! Just knowing that it is out of our hands. Deirdre #FMF 7
listening is so important
Annette, this is a revealing statement, “A help me always – Requires a giving – A showing of need.” I appreciate you ending with Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (FMF #16)
thank you Lisa
Help me, please, up this steep path
that will one day find me home,
for now I clearly face the math,
and it chills me to the bone,
the vista of what lies before
I reach that destination;
before the shining golden door,
I’ll pass through desolation
of shaking heart and pain-struck legs,
lungs that won’t let air to pass,
but I’ll not be the one that begs
for the fatal hemlock glass,
for I still have some life to live;
help me, please, my love to give.
indeed, that regardless of what stage of life we are in, remember to give the love we have.
That’s an excellent question we would do well to ask ourselves. What is the BEST way to help? Can we offer a hand without making it a handout? Asking for help is harder than we realize until we’re in that position ourselves. Grace needed on both sides of the equation.
FMF#22
for sure
This is so good, Annette.
Thanks for sharing.
Visiting from #48
thank you Sandra
Amen Annette, Oh so lovely, thought provoking and wonderfully spoken.
Blessings.
Visiting from FMF#3
thank you Paula. 🙂
A deep insight here. Thank you.
you are most welcome. 🙂
This really encouraged me today, Annette! I suffered an ankle injury on Sunday, and I’m reduced to crutches and hopping around. I don’t like asking for help. Pride? Probably. But I could hurt myself worse if I let my stubbornness rule.
Our stubbornness does get the better of us some days doesn’t it? It’s a constant battle
thanks sharing this article about the best to enable
you are most welcome