I Can’t Do This Alone

We all need someone. When we don’t have someone, that is when life can get complicated. There is much to be said about having a healthy dependency. When we travel the road alone, it can become a long journey. That is when we cry out, “I can’t do this alone.”

I feel that way at times when Carmen and I have to be apart from each other. When we can’t be together I feel a little selfish. That’s when I try to act strong. I begin to think, I can’t do this alone. Maybe it is more of, I don’t want to do this alone.

Being Strong or Acting Strong?

Ever see anyone try to act strong when on the inside they are not? It shows, doesn’t it? It is good to have a healthy dependency on others, especially our spouses and significant others. But when we are alone, that is a vulnerable time where we feel weak.

That is when I find myself trying to be strong. Carmen has recently been away spending extra time with family. She is being there for others, helping however she can. Oh, selfish me! I’m good for a few days. A little space is good. But then a few days pass and I begin to get selfish. I want her back! Then I get all mopey (feeling sorry for myself like the baby I am).

Time To Put On The Game Face

Now it’s time for me to be strong. She is needed elsewhere. Time for me to put on my game-face. Ever put on a game-face? I don’t want her to feel bad that I feel all mopey and selfish, wanting her to be with me. But I miss her!

We talk on video calls. She says, “You okay?” Oh no, she caught the tone. Maybe she saw the downtrodden look, darn those video calls! I guess I don’t have a poker face, but…must…try! Got to get that game face on.

We have all done it. You have to function. You have a job to do. So you put on the game face and force your way through the day. All the while, most others never even notice that you are struggling.

You Are Strong – The Strength of Your Life (hint-Jesus)

This is where you must never walk alone…and you are not! Jesus is there. Even when others aren’t or can’t be. He is the strength of your life.

Sometimes you just have to do adult, even when you don’t feel like it. But when you feel that way, you must know that Jesus is still there. Now, you can choose to ignore Him, but that doesn’t change the fact that He IS right there.

Here’s another hit from the ’80s (I extended my ’80s binge from last week) by Leslie Phillips with Strength Of My Life.

Waiting Till It Is Too Late

Okay, so my situation is pretty minor. Yours may not be. Or maybe you know others who have strayed down that lonely road for way too long. The longer it goes, the harder it seems it is to turn back around. But that is where Jesus comes in. Here are some steps you can start taking right now:

• Write down 10 things you are grateful for in your life now and in the past.
  • Ephesians 5:20 NIV- always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
  • Being grateful keeps you positive.
    • It does a lot of things for you. Google ‘gratefulness’ and see!
• Reconnect with Jesus if you haven’t already, and share your thankfulness with Him.
  • Isaiah 41:10 NIV- So do not fear, for I am with you do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
• Find something to be positive about. Negativity only intensifies the downward spiral.
• When negativity pops into your head, use that as a trigger to start speaking out loud about what you are thankful for in your life.
  • Nehemiah 8:10b NIV – Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
• Keep working on that every-day-walkin’-around-kind-of-life with Jesus.
  • Share with Him what you are positive about in your life.
  • Share with HIm what you are thankful for in your life.
  • Joshua 1:9 NIV- Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
• Trust Jesus to bring others across your path to make the road, not so lonely.
  • Thessalonians 5:11 MSG- Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.

Challenge of the Day:

Thank God you don’t have to walk a lonely road. Acknowledge Him in your everyday life throughout the day. Focus on something positive and always give thanks! So be it!