Who LIKES to ask for help? In many societies we are conditioned to ask for help only when we need it, like for a ride to the airport, and in doing so we may feel as though we are inconveniencing the helper. I have learned that, for the most part, people really do want to help each other out, particularily in times of crisis, but it is often up to the one struggling to be courageous enough to ask for the help they need. I want to share with you a story in which a woman reached out to me for help, and how stangers came together to lend a hand.

I had been in touch with a woman through a local on-line group, with the purpose of giving and recieving, and although I did not know her, we had previously communicated. She sent me a message last weekend saying that she was in despirate need of pants and sweaters and asked if I had any extra winter clothes. After learning what sizes she would need, I decided to post on social media the specifics of what I was looking for to help this woman. I immediately had women responding to me that they would be happy to help out. Two ladies went through their closets, one of which also purchased a new sweater, another lady went shopping and purchased several outfits, plus socks and slippers. After picking up the items, I met up with the woman who made the request, and she was thrilled to recieve so much from strangers. In the meantime, I have had others reach out to me to offer to go through their closets to see what they have to donate. When they do, I will drop off those items as well. This really is not about me, though. It’s about the bravery of asking for help, and people coming together to fill the need.

In the US there is much abundance, and much struggle. When you are struggling the easiest thing to do is to take each day as it comes and push through it. The hard thing to do is to ask others to lend a hand. It takes courage, and strength to ask for what you need and rely on the generosity of others.

I am inspired by the woman who was in need and asked for help and I’m in awe of the selfless women that came together to fill that need for a complete stranger. This is not someone they will ever meet, or know of her situation, they just did what they could, because they could. It felt very powerful knowing that we, as women, have it in us to make the difference in the lives of another person. Simply by sharing what we have. Imagine the possibilities if those who needed a hand asked for what they needed, and those who could, provided the help. I know in some cases, it’s not that simple, but it doesn’t have to be as complicated as it is either. Whether it’s a ride, clothing, food, or really, anything..imagine what we could do together. We are powerful, and together, unstopable. All it would take is the bravery to ask, and the willingness to say yes.