By Angela Koenig
Even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” ~Matthew 20:28
Throughout my life, I have done everything imaginable to avoid needing help. I never wanted to be a bother. Childhood wounds said to me: I need to manage on my own. I never thought my self-sufficiency hurt anyone; I tried not to upset or irritate anyone.
Once though, a gentleman guest of my sister-in-law asked her if I had a problem with him because I wouldn’t let him open a door for me. She explained to him that it was nothing he did; it’s just how I am. Needless to say, I felt terrible. I thought: how many other times have I hurt people by refusing to accept their kindness? Avoiding their help is, in reality, an excellent way to push people away.
Love is a verb, by definition, an action. If we don’t allow others to serve us how they can and want, we reject love in our lives. As a beloved child of God, when you accept assistance, you practice selflessness. Allowing others’ help, you snuff out the flame of pride in your heart by saying no to your desire to prove yourself. The Feast of Mary’s Assumption is a perfect time to lift others up in the Kingdom, especially men, so intrinsically wired aid others.
This acceptance is learned slowly with God’s grace. Jesus, always the gentleman has my heart; He is the flawless example of a person who came to serve and not to be served (Matthew 20:28). Yet He allowed Himself to be loved and served during His public ministry. So here’s to the men who open doors. May their humble gift of love in service be accepted by us and appreciated for the sake of Jesus.
Prayer
O My Jesus, may I learn to accept the graces You send by the hands of others, and may I bring your graces to others. Make my humility like that of Your Mother Mary, who went to help Elizabeth to help her, and teach me to praise You and the Blessed Mother in thanksgiving as Elizabeth did. Amen.
Respond to His Call
Volunteer at a charity for an afternoon as an act of charity and humility. Or, donate the price of a day’s meals to a charity that serves poor women.
*To the Men Who Open Doors—with the Prayer and Call to Action taken from WINE’s Called By Name Devotional (Ave Maria Press, 2021) To purchase the book and amazing book bundle, which includes a journal, bookmark, and stickers, visit the WINE Shop.
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Absolutely loved this❤️
It is a wonderful insight for not only independent women, but all to be accepting and grateful of God working through others.
I read this just now — really lovely Angie! I too have always been independent and self reliant — to a fault. The fault has been mine in simply not allowing others to help me. I have long since (thanks be to God!) recognized this as pride masking the wounded child within, and have decided to let it go. I now thank and am so grateful for all the kind people (often men) that I encounter who open the door for me. So happy to have found this piece today.