“You are supposed to be able to handle everything in your life on your own, and if you can’t handle it or need help, you are weak.”
This is something I have internalized and believed for a long time.
Anyone else feel this way sometimes?
This idea that if I can’t handle taking care of my three kids in our comfortable home filled with good food and lots of toys, then I’m clearly not mentally strong enough.
And yet… that’s not even close to the message that the Savior teaches me.
David Whitmer, one of the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, was chastened by the Lord in D&C 30:1:
“You have feared man and have not relied on me for strength as you ought.”
The Lord WANTS me to rely on Him for everything that I do each day.
He doesn’t want me to feel like I have to do everything alone.
Because He knows that my life will improve as I turn to Him.
When I’m sitting in my comfortable air-conditioned house and I’m having to clean up the third spill in the last hour while another kid has a meltdown over I’m not even sure what…
He wants me to rely on Him.
To send up pleading prayers, asking for guidance and comfort and peace.
Am I living up to my privilege?
I feel like my life is already dripping with privilege, and yet I think I’m missing out on obtaining the full power of the most essential privilege of all.
The Savior is not disappointed when I have to ask for help.
He doesn’t think that I’m not strong enough.
Or that I’ve failed.
He is disappointed when I DON’T ask for help.
When I try to rely on my own strength.
So how can I make my Savior pleased with me?
I can ask for help. I can rely on Him for strength.
I can realize that I cannot do it alone, but that when I invite His divine assistance into my life, we are unstoppable.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
2 Responses
This hits home. Years ago I recognized that it is my weakness that gives opportunities to become strong. It still takes me – being so full of pride at “ me do it myself!” (Reminiscent of my ‘two year old’ self) reminding – to seek His help. Thankyou!
<3