Will You Help, Too?
Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not. - Dr. Seuss
Article written by Alex Blackwell. Connect with me on Facebook.
Opportunities to help one other appear every day. We either acknowledge them, or we don’t.
During a recent trip to Minneapolis, my family and I visited The Basilica of Saint Mary. The Basilica’s beauty is matched only by its reverence. The white granite exterior welcomed us as we opened the massive wooden door to enter. Once inside, its architecture was simply amazing. Long rows of pews lead to an altar perfectly positioned under a stunning copper dome.
In one those pews was a man, alone and seemingly distraught. Sitting on the edge of the wooden bench, he grasped the pew in front on him. He buried his head between his hands and appeared to be praying.
I walked by him on my way to get a better look at the altar. Stopping for a moment, I considered sitting next to him. He was clearly in pain and maybe I could offer some relief. Instead, I continued to the altar. He wanted to be alone, I reasoned. But I knew better. He needed some comfort and I didn’t help.
After returning to the back of the church, I waited for Mary Beth to light a candle in memory of her father. When she finished, we stood together and admired the church. That’s when I noticed someone had taken the spot next to the grieving man.
I rationalized he was probably a priest, or a trained layperson who was on staff to help with these situations. But really, I think he was someone who made a choice different than mine – he made the choice to help.
At that moment, I re-committed to listening to my inner wisdom and offering to help when I know it’s needed – no matter how uncertain or inconvenient it may seem. God gives us special radar to use. When we pay attention to the readings our radars provide, we will know if our help is needed, or not.
So my question, my challenge, to you is, “When someone needs help, will you help, too?”
- Will you help the hungry by offering whatever you can?
Will you help when earthquakes hit and hurricanes strike?
Will you help by being a companion to the lonely?
Will you help lift the burdens others cannot seem to lift alone?
Will you help by offering encouragement when it is needed?
Will you help by providing the right answer at the right time?
Will you help by showing compassion when mistakes are made?
Will you help by saying what someone needs to hear?
Will you help when someone asks for help whether they say the words, or not?
The Starfish Story
Your choice to help – one person at a time – does make a difference. The Starfish Story illustrates the power one simple action can have:
Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.
One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.
As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.
He came closer still and called out “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”
The young man paused, looked up, and replied, “Throwing starfish into the ocean.”
“I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” asked the somewhat startled wise man.
To this, the young man replied, “The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them in, they’ll die.”
Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, “But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can’t possibly make a difference!”
At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, “It made a difference for that one.” – Loren Eiseley (1907 – 1977)
I regret not being a starfish thrower the day I visited The Basilica of Saint Mary. In that Holy place, I felt His nudge and forgiveness. I left Minneapolis and returned home looking for starfish who need my help. When I find them, I will do my best against the receding tides.
I can’t do it alone. Will you help, too?
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Alex Blackwell is the Founder of The BridgeMaker. His book, How to Love Consciously, is now available as a free download here. Join Alex and The BridgeMaker community on Facebook and don’t forget to get your free subscription to receive free updates and exclusive content.
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7 Responses to “Will You Help, Too?”
What do you think?
Great inspiration Alex. I’ve regretted moments similar to yours, but when an opportunity rises and we follow that nudge, it’s an awesome blessing everyone should experience. And I simply love the starfish story. Thanks!
Hi Alex,
Being brought up Catholic and attending private schools ingrained in me the desire to help others. It never left even though I left the church.
I’ve volunteered in Mexico, Louisiana, Texas, MI and AZ. I was in Mexico for 3 months, Louisiana for a week after Katrina and in Brownsville I taught English. In Arizona I tutored reading.
We support the Smile Train and Wounded Warriors. We just took several large jars of peanut butter and jelly to a drop off yesterday because so many people don’t have food for their kids. I also carry bottled water around for hungry people who stand on the side of the road and beg with signs. That way I’ve given something immediately.
I don’t write this to brag…most bloggers spend their time online with a focus to help other but with the agenda of making money. Nothing wrong with that…the question is how much do I do with no strings attached for someone who is in need.
For me I don’t do enough. Even in our times we still have more than enough of everything. And yet my desire for more is bigger than my desire to help others in need most of the time. Hey I’m keepin it honest here.
Mother Teresa said the only thing we take with us when we die is the love we gave away when we lived. I believe it…with your encouragement I’m going to do more.
I’m reminded of something I read recently where the author describes this interaction between parent and child.
Parent: Eat your dinner, children are starving in India.
Child: What are you doing about that ?
@ Becky: Calling it a blessing is a great way to describe the act of helping someone.
@ Tess: I have the feeling you will be taking a lot of love with you.
@ Tim: From the mouths’ of babes… Thanks for sharing Tim.
Yes, I will help, too. Thank you for the reminder to pay attention. I once heard someone say that if you ever wonder ‘why’ you’re in a particular situation, say to yourself: “Who is it here who needs my help?” Awesome words to live by. Thank you for your beautiful post.
. August 21, 2010 / Philippines
Yes, I’m blessed by what i read above. Not merely from the main article but even from those who made their serious comments. I love to visit here often. The article inspired me. The teachings in Law of Attraction is so new to me, But I’m in the process of internalizing and learning it to the best of my capacity and capability. I’m not rich but I am learning to make things on. Though I doubted in jotting down my message here… BUT I JUST WISH WHAT I’M TO WRITE HERE COULD MAKE SOME DIFFERENCE TO OTHER PEOPLES LIVES! — To all the people who made this article possible, you are more than a blessings to me and to others. –jonsihay
@ Jonsihay: Thanks for sharing you heart and making a difference, too! It sounds like you are already on your way!