“Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?”  ~Romans 15:1-2 (The Message)

As many say, I too can say that I am at a point in my life where I’m “going through”.  My family and I are experiencing a very tough time and facing some huge obstacles that are crushing us right now.  However, I’m writing tonight not to express my feelings on my troubles, but to share the focus that God has placed in my heart.  It has nothing to do with me right now.  In fact, as the song goes that my husband so loves, it’s not about me.  God continues to remind me that my storm is not about me at all, so I’m refocusing my attention.

As always, I pray that my blog inspires and encourages the reader.  I have not been able to write for quite awhile now due to my focus being on the overwhelming circumstances that I am facing.  My mind has not been on writing, and that fact speaks volumes.  Well, tonight I praise God for being that mind-regulator that we’ve all heard about.  Now it’s something that I KNOW and not just something I’ve heard.

I say that my attention now is being refocused.  I don’t want to sound as though the refocus is new for me.  It actually is God bringing me back to where He wants me to be, doing what He’s called me to do, and being who He created me to be. I allowed my circumstances to distract me.  Now it’s back to being about my Father’s business — that is, being of service to others.

We all will do many things in life.  Hopefully, we will go places and reach heights that we never thought we would go.  I hope that we all experience whatever it is that we define as success in our lives.  But, what I tell people quite frequently is that no matter what we do, no matter where we go, no matter what we accomplish, none of it means anything if we are not helping others.  Whatever “job” you have should be something that help others.  Do you feel you’re called to a certain ministry or service?  I will guarantee you that if it is a true calling of God, it will be one that serve other people.  It should never be all about you.

This week as I deal with what “I” feel are insurmountable odds, God has placed a burning desire in me that gives me the blessed opportunity of reaching out and helping others.  In fact, He’s given me two people in particular whom He want me to be a blessing to.  When I was approached with the details of what these people are going through, I knew that I had to be there for them.

Our women’s ministry at church is laxed and inactive right now, and what I will be doing is something that the ministry is designed to do.  I am not the president or vice president (both are not active in these duties now), however, I choose not to wait for there to be a meeting and folks to vote and decide on anything (you know how that is….).  I see a need, I see a couple of the sisters in need of sisterhood and support, and my question is, “How can I help?”

A couple of us will be taking one of the sisters out to dinner and lunch for her birthday.  She is dealing with tremendous issues and responsibilities and can definitely stand the blessing of being pampered and treated out to an afternoon of fun just for her.  Additionally, it is my plan to open my home (God willing) in a week or so for a “Sister Saturday” gathering.  This will provide a comfortable, homey environment whereas the sisters can relax, be comfortable, eat, cry, laugh, talk, fellowship, and pray — outside of the church.  I truly believe that we often need to reach out (or, outreach) and remove ourselves from those four walls.  The sisters will be more at ease and comfortable to be themselves this way.

Perhaps you know of someone, or others, who can use your assistance.  It may not be in the same way as I have described, but I know that there is something you can do for someone else.  Look around you.  I won’t ask you if there is a need because I know that there is.  Just look around.  Get out of yourself, no matter what you are personally going through, and ask, “How can I help?”

Blessings!

Carla Y. Nix