There comes a time in all of our lives when we look back on the path that we have taken on the journey called life. A wise person will look honestly; taking in all circumstances, weighing them all carefully. When we find an area lacking, then we do our best to repair and renew them.

No one is an island unto themselves. We all need someone at some point in time. Independence seems to be a common factor in many of our lives. We like to think that whatever we need to do at any time we can accomplish entirely on our own. That scenario might work for awhile, but there will come a time when we will need help from another source.

I am talking about the help, that when requested, will renew our strength. Handling problems might be our forte; but even we can get overwhelmed in life. I know because I had to take charge and care for my diabetic mother until she passed. Afterward, I was left to care for my younger brother, who had brain damage until he passed and then my youngest child was murdered. So, I am a living testament that drawing strength from a source of higher power will save not only my sanity, but my life.

I have a nice-sized family and the weight of their problems are a heavy burden. I love my husband, children, their children and our friends. And being the matriarch everyone seems to look to me to solve everybody’s problems; from matters of the heart, financial to sibling rivalry. For a person with health problems like I have, calls at all times of night are hard on my body as well as my mind. Once awake there is a slim to none chance of getting any more sleep for the remainder of the night. So when I find myself standing in the gap for others, I offer myself up and ask for grace, wisdom, understanding and strength. God’s grace is sufficient for me and it handles my every need.

One thing is certain, that as long as we are alive we have options. And one of the more positive options is that we make energy-releasing relationships. Within these shared bonds an energy arise and a healing strength flows from one person to another. Some people are quick to declare that all strength comes from our own bodies; but I am here to proclaim that the extra ordinary healing strength came and carried me through every low point of my life.

I fully believe that certain people were designated to be a blessing to me and has helped me through good and bad times. I have been so depressed and felt so low that I didn’t think I would ever delight in the sunshine or even smile again.

It took several strangers that had a attitude and loving caring nature to bring me out of the state of mourning. The director of The Religious Coalition for a Nonviolent Durham, Marcia Owen, saw my pain and helped me find other avenues of interest to take my mind off of the pain and begin to heal. That kind of strength is supernatural, and I encourage everyone to find that special someone or something that pick you up, renew and strengthen you and cherish it because it is precious.