Tag Archives: love languages

You Rob People When You Refuse To Accept Help

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You Rob People When You Refuse To Accept Help. See how...

You Rob People When You Refuse To Accept Help

We talked previously about refusing to accept help and how that reveals pride. There are some other disadvantages when we don’t accept help though. In addition to showing pride, refusing to accept help might actually be robbing people of lessons, blessings, and love when we decline their help.

Don’t you try to rob me of my blessing!

I still remember a lady on the news many years ago during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. She was displaced and staying in Oklahoma. The news was interviewing some of the hurricane victims, and her interview has always stuck out to me. They were telling her story of giving money to a local church. Apparently the church tried to refuse her money. That’s when I giggled at her unyielding response. She said she told them, “Don’t you try to rob me of my blessing!”

What a perspective. She knew the laws of reaping and sowing. She knew that her small gift of monetary help, even in her time of need, would yield a blessing in return. In her eyes, anyone refusing to accept help from her was actually hurting her not helping her.

Robbing others AND ourselves of lessons and blessings

Someone’s offer for help may be them trying to love their neighbor. This is what Eric was doing when he offered to help the man at Lowes (story in previous post). When we refuse to accept help offered to us, we might be denying others the opportunity to obey God’s call to help. God commands us to help those around us.

“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13 (NLT)

“Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4 (HCSB)

“He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”” Luke 10:27 (NIV)

By someone offering to help, they are learning to love as God loves…by giving…by being unselfish. We shouldn’t rob somebody of Continue reading →

I Just Turned 40! Find Out How I Felt So Loved by Gifts and Acts of Service

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I Just Turned 40! Find Out How I Felt So Loved by Gifts and Acts of Service

I Just Turned 40!  Find Out How I Felt So Loved by Gifts and Acts of Service

I celebrated my 40th birthday this past weekend. Boy, turning 40 sure has been a trip!  I’ve seen more changes at this age than at any other.  My hormones are going bonkers.  I’ve been dealing with crazy adult acne and melasma (discoloration of my skin) lately.  My eyesight has changed significantly.  I’m now finding myself having to pull things away from my face to see them better.  I think bifocals or reading glasses may be in my near future!  Apparently I’m now supposed to be getting mammograms every year.  Yay.  I’ve also experienced some other changes that would be inappropriate to discuss, so I’ll spare you the details!  You’re welcome.

Truly though, I can say that I am very happy, healthy and prosperous at this age!  God has really blessed me, and although my life is far from perfect, I am very content and pleased to be standing where I am today.  I also know that God has much more in store for me.  As far as I’m concerned, my life isn’t even half over yet!  I’m excited and maybe a little apprehensive about what’s to come in the years ahead.  Whatever happens though, I have the most amazing support system to tackle anything that life throws at me.  I understand what Paul meant when he talked about being content:

“…for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content–whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13 (HCSB)  

40th Birthday painting party

40th birthday painting party

I felt so very loved this past weekend as my family and friends celebrated with me.  Some of them joined me for a fun painting party at a local DIY shop, Completely Random.  Afterwards we had some friends and family over to the house for a Parisian-themed party.  My house looked like we stepped right into Paris thanks to my sister-Shawna (I’ve written about her talents before), my mom-Jacki, my sister-Cora, and my sister-in-law-Keisha.  There was so much time, money and effort spent on making my party fabulous and full of all things that I love.

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