Monday, February 10, 2020

Using All Your Strength

"A young boy was walking with his father along a country road. When they came across a very large tree branch the boy asked, “Do you think I could move that branch?”

His father answered, “If you use all your strength, I’m sure you can.”

So the boy tried mightily to lift, pull and push the branch but he couldn’t move it. Discouraged he said, “Dad, you were wrong. I can’t do it.”

His dad said, “Try again.” This time, as the boy struggled with the branch his father joined him and together they pushed the branch aside.

“Son,” the father said, “the first time you didn’t use all your strength. You didn’t ask me to help.


Each of us are strong in our own ways.  We got so independent and self sufficient that we actually have forgotten what or where our true strength lies in. I have been this person since my childhood, who felt very ashamed of asking for help. I always thought people who ask for help or seek help are lazy, dependent and weak. I saw them as nagging unhappy people. For many many years, even till today I hesitate a lot asking for help. Even in my prayers to God, I don't ask for any help.

Not that I do not need it, but I believed that God made each of to face the life we are given and has equipped us with enough abilities in doing so. But I did not realize, part of this same life, he has given us friends and family for the same purpose. To stand by you, to support you and pick you up when needed. They are the real strength. Indeed there are many things you can do alone in this modern society and fewer things where you need others. And for such things, don't you forget that you have all the strength you need and you just need to ask for it and use it. Life is never meant to be a one-man army.

Asking for help is NOT a sign of weakness, but a sign of realizing your whole strength.

And there are times that you don't even know that you can ask for help. This is a sad state and I wish each individual enough sanity to realize this and seek help.

"None of us are stronger than all of us" - this is a quote on the coffee mug I got it as a Secret Santa Gift. Now I realize the meaning of it after reading the above story.

So remember, we have not used all of our strength until we have recognized, sought and used all the support, love around us, and from those who dearly care about us.

Asking for help is a sign of wisdom, courage and in itself is a strength.

And if we ask and are denied help, then we just ask again, ask another person, another time, another way. But ask!