When I was small, my parents raised us to keep our mouths closed and our ears open. Considering the fact that I was a chatterbox, I never really grasped this; in fact, I never understood it. I was also raised not to ask for help. I guess that this was the way that they were raised. As I grew older, this proved to be the wrong thing for me. I desperately needed to ask for help. The reasons for this are long and not very pretty. Being molested as a child, alcoholism, and searching for affection proved to be my downfall. We did go to church as a family on Sunday, but I never got to know Jesus until decades later.

I have learned that secrets keep you sick, but prayer works. It's like the old saying, "A problem shared is a problem halved." I have also learned that problems shared with a loving friend can be a wonderful release from our burdens. Even better is a loving friend who prays for you and with you.

Matthew 18:20 – For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them. (NIV)

Who could ask for more than for Jesus to be among us when we pray for a solution and guidance? Yet, this does not happen for many people because they refuse to ask for help.

I know now that during my trials, Jesus was in the midst of them with me. He may have been crying, but He was with me. All we have to do is look at the cross and see what Jesus went through. As I consider my life now, whatever I went through, it was not, and is still not as bad as what Jesus went through. He is my rock and my salvation.

Since becoming a Christian, I have friends who care about me and listen when I am hurting. I have a pastor and a church family who surround me with love, and I am no longer alone. I am at peace amongst them, and I know that Jesus is with us, praying to God our Father for us. I know that the Holy Spirit fills us and brings us that peace which passes all understanding. If I share my trials with others, I may be able to help them. If they see me succeed, they can, too.

If you're having problems, seek help. Jesus will lead you to it. Ask someone close to you for prayer. It really is miraculous.

God be praised!

Prayer: Lord our God, please encourage us to seek help through Your guidance. You are the great provider. You know what we need before we ask. Help us, Lord, to remember that You are always with us, waiting for us to ask You for the help that we need. Amen.

When I was in grade 9, I had to do a report in front of my class. I began reading my report, and my hands began to shake, my breathing became irregular, and I ran out of the classroom. When I got home and told my mother, she made an appointment for me to see our family doctor. He gave me a note for my teachers that I did not have to speak in front of my class any more … and I didn't. For years, I battled my nerves, and I thought that I was going crazy at times. No one else seemed to have these problems. The family doctor told my parents, "What did you expect from two nervous parents?"

About twelve years ago, I really began to know Jesus through the Alpha program that was being run at a nearby church, after a friend suggested that I might enjoy it. It was very hard for me at first, but over the weeks, with a lot of help from the people there, I came to believe. I turned my life and my will over to God. I knew that I needed Him completely to run my life, and I haven't looked back.

I decided to make my profession of faith on an Easter Sunday. I had also decided that I wanted to say something to the congregation and the people from Alpha who had helped me. This is when my entire life turned around. I went up there, and the Lord took all fear away from me. Since that time, I always say "yes" when someone asks me to read or speak. I look out and see my friends.

The prodigal daughter has returned, and God has shown His immense love for me.

I hope and pray that any of you who are afraid of speaking or reading in front of anyone will gain some hope from this. Our church family is just that: family and very dear friends. God wants us to be brave for Him. All things are possible with Him.

During these times of tribulation that our world is going through, let us believe in the Lord; He will sustain us. Let us be a light unto the world that is so confused. Let us not be afraid to speak about what the Lord has done for us. He is right beside us urging us to go forth and be brave.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful gifts that You provide for us as we place our trust in You. We gladly serve You, Father, and we pray for Your guidance each step of our journey. Bless us, we pray, in the name our Saviour Jesus. Amen.