You Reap What You Sow

Who likes asking for help? Requesting assistance from friends or colleagues is something many people have trouble doing. (Some are too comfortable depending on others, but that is another story) Society is largely based on self-sufficiency and independence. With a world filled with self-check outs, self-help books, DIY Networks, and online colleges who needs help, right? 

Some people think asking for help can make you seem needy, or weak. Other people fear that it will make them appear lazy. In other words they let their pride get in the way. They are too worried about what others will think of them.

For others the reason they refuse to ask for help is just a form of fear itself, the Fear of Rejection. People are so fearful of not being accepted and being told no.They take things personal and automatically assume that “no” has something to do with someone not accepting them as a person. 

Another reason people refuse to ask for help is that they just don’t want to be burdensome to someone. They feel unworthy of receiving help, or that they will be indebted to another or never able to repay them. They possess a performance driven mindset. They believe that in order to receive something they first must do something to earn it.

It seems as though people have forgotten what it means to be a community. Take the word “neighbor” for example. People think that being someone’s neighbor means that your house is next to someone else’s thus making you their “neighbor”. In the dictionary though a neighbor is defined as “one who shows kindliness or helpfulness towards his or her fellow humans”. 

If you have ever had the privilege of living next to a “good” neighbor you can relate easily to this definition. You may even feel as though they are an extension of your family.  You feel as though not only do they have your back but you have theirs as well. They might get your mail if needed, watch your dog, check on you when your sick, or mow your lawn if you’re ever down and out.  You would do the same for them as well without having to even ask. Why? Because that’s what it means to be a good neighbor! 

Today many are self focused and although independence is good,  the importance of relationships gets over looked. Good relationships carry over into your community. Take pride in where you live, help one another, and don’t be afraid to ask for help yourself.  By asking for help barriers are broken and walls come down, and most importantly lines of communication are established. As many can attest, communication is key to building relationships and vital at maintaining them. 

There is truth in the saying “It’s not what you know but who”. The people you have relationships with can help you get things done, and while pulling form each others strengths you can get more accomplished than on your own. You may know a whole lot but no matter what “two heads are better than one”.

As you know non-profit organizations depend solely on relationships with volunteers, and the donations of people in the community. Working together, supporting one another, and coming together as a whole is a very important principal to Durant Main Street. At Durant Main Street we have faith in the promise “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” Galatians 6:9. As long as we sow into the community with a pure heart and passion to help the city, we should hold our head high, humble ourselves, and know asking for help is part of our original design.

We look forward to helping the community and want to be apart in as many ways as possible, and hope to gain the same from our “neighbors”. For more information on how to help the Durant Main Street Program, or if there is someone in our community that can be helped through our program please do not hesitate to contact us at 580-924-1550, find us on FB or on our website at www.durantmainstreet.org.