That is what I've come to understand. When someone has lived a life that is beyond what you could have imagined, you have to be put to the test, to see if you can handle all their struggles and past hurts. You have to decide if you are going to leave, or if you are going to stand by them, in whatever way you may be called to be there. With me, no matter who it is in my life, that has never been a question. If someone needs me, I am going to be there. If someone claims they don't need me, and I know they do, then I am still going to be there.
I was reminded yesterday of who I am, and who I have been for my entire life. I found a letter my senior English teacher wrote me, sitting in my bible of all places, and in it she wrote, "you're beautiful (on the outside yes) but so gorgeous on the inside. You're this shining light, this sunshine, this giggling smile of curiosity and honesty and self-reflection, and I enjoy, and have enjoyed, so many things/aspects/beautiful parts of you and your personality. These trials that we go through...they are SO painful, and so important. You have struggled through them with grace. I've thought of you so many times this year already--the biggest that comes to mind is through Maya Angelou's poem "Alone," which says that 'no one, not no one can make it out here alone'... It's true that no matter how strong you are, and how strong I am, we need each other and anyone to be there to catch us when we fall."
Reading this reminded me that we can't make it alone. And though some people may lash out and hurt us in a moment, it doesn't define who they are, or who they long to be. As a Christian person I believe, and I always will believe, that I have to stand by people and help them get to where they long to be in life, with God, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. We have to be willing to sacrifice our wants and desires sometimes, be patient and just love people; we must be willing to love people unconditionally, just as Christ loves us unconditionally.
We read in the bible
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up."
When I see someone struggling, whether they are aware of the struggle or not, I will do everything I can to help them. I won't turn my back when the road gets hard. This is who I am, not because of me, but because this is who God has shown me to be. I don't know how to be anyone else.
Here's to the road ahead, the trials along the way, and the amazing way that God is going to direct every single step, even when I am unaware.
