WHEN "HELP" HURTS.

Wisdom says...

We were created with a desire to "help" others.  Unfortunately, some of the things that we do to help, actually "hurt".  So we can say that there is a help that "helps" and a help that "hurts". Real help, should empower individuals to do the seeking, acting, and exercising the discipline necessary to solve their own problems, not provide solutions for them.  It should be an assisting partnership that enables the individuals to actively participate in their own growth.  This is the kind of help that will last, and overall affect lasting change in the lives of people. 

Story:
 I was working with a young lady who was not receptive to all of the help I was offering.  While meeting with her one day, I realized that she would only understand what help looks like when I demonstrated for her.  Since "demonstrative" could have been my middle name, I fell (yes fell) on the floor.  There were two others in the room and all three of them looked at me like like I was crazy.  Ironically, she was the first one to try to "help" me off the floor, but I intentionally became "dead weight".  The Harder she tried to lift me, the more I resisted.  She actually was going to leave and try to get someone bigger and stronger to help (there's that word again) her.  I stopped her there, because I knew I proved my point.  I asked her, "why couldn't you pull me up?" and she replied "because you weren't cooperating".  I said "exactly"...you will never be able to truly help someone if they refuse to participate in their own rescue. Otherwise they become "dead weight" which exhausts us to the point of burnout.

Prayer: Lord, lead us to help those who are truly prepared to receive it.