Learning to Accept Help: Letting Go of Pride and Leaning on Grace
By Deirdre Looney | Chaos and Courage Blog
For the longest time, I believed that accepting help meant weakness. I wore my independence like armor and my exhaustion like a badge of honor. I told myself, "If I don't do it, it won't get done." Sound familiar?
As single moms, strong women, or simply people trying to keep it all together, we often let pride sneak in dressed as strength. We don't want to burden others. We don't want pity. We don't want to admit we're overwhelmed.
But Here's the Truth: You Were Never Meant to Do It All Alone
The Bible reminds us over and over that we are created for community, for connection, for support. Yet pride—subtle or loud—keeps us isolated. It convinces us we have something to prove. But God never asked us to prove anything. He asked us to trust Him—and that often includes trusting the people He sends to help.
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.— Proverbs 16:18
Pride isn't always arrogance—it's often a fear of appearing vulnerable. But in trying to appear strong, we sometimes rob others of the opportunity to bless us—and ourselves of the opportunity to be carried.
What Accepting Help Looks Like
- Saying yes when a friend offers to babysit or drop off a meal.
- Reaching out to your church or a local mom group when you're emotionally spent.
- Letting someone pray for you—even when you don't have the words.
- Accepting support with humility instead of shame.
It doesn't make you less capable. It makes you human. And even Jesus didn't carry His cross alone—Simon of Cyrene was called to help. If our Savior wasn't too proud to receive help, why should we be?
Why This Matters
When we let go of pride and let others in, healing begins. Our children see it too—they watch us model community, grace, and humility. They learn that strength isn't about doing it all, it's about knowing when to lean on others.
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.— Galatians 6:2
You don't have to do this alone. In fact, you were never supposed to. Accepting help isn't a sign of defeat—it's a doorway to rest, connection, and healing.
Grace Is Enough
Let go of the lie that you have to prove anything. Let go of the voice that says you're only worthy when you're doing it all. God's grace covers you. His people are around you. Let them in.
You are strong. But even strong women deserve rest. Accept it. You are worth that kind of love.
With love and grace,
Deirdre