The strength to strengthen

Life is so fragile. In a matter of seconds everything around us can come crashing down, and the worst part of that is that some of our closest friends will never know. In the middle of my senior year I prayed for a challenge, and I got it. I found myself feeling alone and unhappy. There was no hope left in my life. I would walk the halls of the high school and say hello to hundreds of people and I still felt like I didn't have a single friend in the world. I could sit with my best friends and feel empty, and alone.

Sure, that was hard. But the hardest part was that I had friends who never said anything to help. There was one person who realized that something was wrong and wanted to fix it. And I refused the aid.

Another time a friend of mine was going through some hard things, I offered to give this friend a priesthood blessing or a father's blessing, as most people call them. I could tell this friend was in need of help, even divine help, but my friend politely turned down the offer and continued to fight the battle on her own.

So why do we do this? Does it really hurt us so much to ask for help that we are afraid to even show a sign that we might be in need. We have people all around us who are so willing to help but we refuse their aid thinking that we are strong enough.

I can promise that I am not strong enough. I plead on my knees every morning for the strength to be able to do all that lies before me. I have tried to live life on my own, using the power of my own two hands. It is difficult, unrewarding, and it made me miserable.

But on the other hand, a day with help from Above is a day full of accomplishment and growth. Usually, the accomplishments are not easy and require us to try a little harder, but that is how we grow. I know that there is Someone who can and will always help me. I know that He knows exactly what I need each and everyday.

I was writing in my journal last night and I reflected on how many lives I had touched and brightened in one day. One person can change so much in the world with a smile, a text, a conversation, or even just by being there next to that person. I was happy to know that I am doing good in the world but at the same time I became incredibly grateful for the strength that allows me to do that.

God has a plan for me and for each one of us. He wants me to help His children, and I doubt He wants anything much different than that from the rest of us. So, let's pray for help so that we can help those around. Seek counsel from God and then your friends. Don't be afraid to ask someone you barely know if they need help with something. You never know how much they are struggling on the inside. There are few things more rewarding than looking back at the end of the day and knowing that you helped people because He was helping you.

"So, when life gets dark and dreary, don't forget to pray." Hymn 140