When we are very competent, the danger is we think not only can we do everything ourselves, but we must. When we cannot do things for ourselves, we go without.

When I was a young mother with three children under the age of 8, I suffered a bout with bursitis in the shoulder. This condition was so painful, my husband had to take me to the emergency room at midnight. Without much other choice we took the three children and had them wait in the emergency room lobby until I was taken care of. The treatment consisted of a cortisone injection and some pills for the next week. I was to see the doctor the next day for a follow up.

I took the medication as directed, and packed up my three children in the car headed for the doctor. By the time I got there, I was very sick. It seems the dosage of the medication would have been fine for a 6 foot, 250 pound man but I was all of 4’10” and 85 pounds so I was suffering from an overdose. The doctor said all I could do now was to let the medication take its course and run through my body. Needless to say, I was very sick. As I drove home, I had to stop twice to vomit on the street side. Remember, I had three children in the car. Why didn’t I think to ask someone to drive me and / or care for my children? I can do it myself!

After I returned home, I was racked with vomiting and could not attend to the children. Though they played nicely on their own, this was not the way to leave them. I finally telephoned a friend for help. She came over immediately with her daughter who then watched the children. My friend cleaned me up and put me to bed. She then went home and returned with dinner for the family. By the time my husband came home, all was under control. She also checked on me for the next few days and provided dinner for us.

From this event I learned how I was living in pride. The Lord had to let me go down to utter helplessness before I would call for help. Had it not been for my concern for the children, I probably would have “toughed it out.” The Lord does send and will send angels in the form of others to help us in the time of need if we would all but ask. Accept. You will be blessed.

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Marcia Chang Vogl.