The Support We Need by Maxie Dunnam

When Nathaniel Hawthorne came home in utter despair and failure after losing his job in the Customs House, his wife responded, “Now you can write that book you have always wanted to write.” Under that kind of uplifting support, Hawthorne wrote The Scarlet Letter, one of the greatest pieces of literature the world has ever known. The truth is there is someone there, for each of us, who will perform that saving work in our life—if we will get beyond our self sufficient pride and share with another who is willing to listen and to care. 

But there is a level of need far more common. It has become vividly obvious to me over the last few years. My wife and I have been living in a life care community for seven years. It is a Christian community, though it does not advertise as such. One universal truth is abundantly clear in our community, the way to get the help we need is to ask for it. 

I wish I had claimed that truth early in life. The way to get the help we need is to ask for it—at least let someone know we need it. 

There is something basic to being human: We belong to each other. Asking for help when we need it gives you and the one who responds the privilege of being truly human.

And don’t miss an additional truth. If you are asked for help, responding meets that particular need, but it is also a source of encouragement for others to take their turn when a request comes to them.

How will you respond the next time you hear, ‘Can you help me?’