Rise Up
A few weeks ago when I wrote my Faith Friday, I included pictures of images with captions for inspiration. The word I chose was the Hebrew word “ruah,” which means breath. As January flew by and February has started already, I have felt out of sorts. I compare myself to others and think I could or should be doing better. I beat myself up over things that I can't control. I don't forgive myself for things that I am sorry for because often times I hold myself to a different standard than I hold others to.
I don't think these feelings of inadequacy are specific only to me. They are specific to nearly everyone. I think many people are their own worst enemies. For example, we try to do more for more people. We try to fix things that maybe are not ours to fix. We take on extra responsibilities to compensate where maybe others are lacking. We spread ourselves unbelievably thin and then wonder why our lives are hectic and chaotic. We get in our own way, and if you are like me then you often lose focus of what is most important and try to do it yourself.
Why is asking for help so hard sometimes? I'm here to say I need help. I need a reminder that I am not alone, and that I am loved by a great God. In Mark 5:41, after walking through a town and hearing of the illness and death of a young girl, Jesus assures her father to have faith. He grabs the little girl’s cold hand and says, “Talitha koum!” which means "Little girl, I say to you, get up." She was healed.
Jesus wants us to get up and have faith. When we are overwhelmed and running in too many directions, refocus and go back to what we know grounds us and keeps us whole. When you wake up late and you don't make time for your morning prayer, "Little girl, I say to you, get up." Get up and do what you know must be done. Pray Kim, pray!! Young lady or gent, get up and be an example that even when you fall, you get back up and keep going. New mother or father, let the laundry go for a bit, and breathe in that newborn scent. Cherish your little one because they grow so fast. Rise up and enjoy this time. Middle-aged men and women, take some time for yourself. After doing so much for so many, you deserve it. Treat yourself by recognizing who you come from. Experienced men and women (grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, sibling, friend, whatever your title), remember God made you and loves you like no other. Wear your life and years with pride. Continue your faith journey. God will meet you wherever you are on the road. He is so forgiving and loving. Listen for His voice, "Talitha koum!" Rise up.
