Why You Need a Support System

We all need support because we weren’t created for complete isolation.  In Genesis, after God created Adam, He said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet…” (Genesis 2:18).  So, God created Eve to be Adam’s companion and wife.

Those same rules still apply.

Whether you homeschool or teach in a classroom, you may have a tendency to become a loner.  You focus so much time and energy into being the best teacher you can be that you neglect those around you. 

Most of the time, you aren’t doing it intentionally, it just happens.  But, none of us can do this for long.  At some point, you will find yourself in need of others to hold up your arms.

A Quick History Lesson

Le me explain…

In the Bible, we’re told of a situation in Exodus 17.  The Lord had given Moses instructions for defeating King Amalek, and Moses passed this information on to Joshua.  In Exodus 17:9, the Bible states “And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out fight with Amalek:  tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.” So, Joshua did what Moses told him to do.

Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the hill where Moses had told Joshua he would be, and Moses held up his arms.  As long as he held his arms up, the Israelites conquered, but as soon as his arms were lowered, the enemy prevailed.  

Unfortunately, a person only has so much strength, and this proved true.  After a while, Moses’ arms began getting tired.  So, Aaron and Hur got a rock for Moses to sit on, and they actually held his arms up when he lacked the strength to do it on his own.

I share this example as a reminder to us.  If Moses needed support, and we know he was directly called of God, why do we think we can be a one-woman-show and face the world alone?

We Need a Support System

We all need friends like Aaron and Hur.  Individuals who will “stay up” our arms and support us when we are in the heat of battle.

Do you ever feel like as a homeschool mom, you’re facing the daunting task of simultaneously raising and teaching your children completely alone?  I’ve felt that way.  Because of the nature of homeschooling, we are physically isolated most of the time. 

However, that doesn’t mean we have to be emotionally or spiritually isolated.

As a classroom teacher, do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the expectations imposed on you?  Somehow, you’re supposed to teach 20-30 unique kids, and have them all “at or above” grade level.  That is a heavy burden to try to carry on your own, and that is why you need others.

We all need to find those who will support us through encouragement and prayer, and those who will hold up our arms when we get too tired and our arms are too heavy.

We Need to be a Support System to Others

“A man that hath friends must [show] himself friendly.”  Proverbs 18:24.  The very best way to find a support system is to emulate what a true friend is.  In other words, your relationships need be genuine and not self-seeking.

Honestly, the only way you can do this is by having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  It isn’t natural for us to put others’ needs ahead of our own.  But when you are seeking to be more Christ-like, you desire to help others.

If you are looking for others to support you, you need to support them.  Your relationships can’t be completely one-sided or they will fail to flourish.  However, certain circumstances will create times in life when one person needs more support than another. 

It will never be in total balance because we are complex individuals with changing needs.  The important thing to remember is that you must be both a giver and a receiver of support.

Supporting Others Through Prayer

I have a dear friend who is going through some really difficult physical problems right now.  She is struggling to get herself through the day, and she is trying to homeschool her three children, as well.  We live about 60 miles apart, and the distance isn’t conducive to daily trips.

So, how do I help her?  Well, the most important thing I can do is pray for her.  Prayer transcends distance.  No matter how far we are from one another physically, one prayer takes us to the throne room of grace where we can meet in heavenly places.  I also call, text, and message her to see how things are going.  Right now, she needs me to be more supportive of her and “carry” her in prayer.

However, not too long ago, the tables were turned and she was “carrying” me as I began this crazy blogging journey.  She was my guinea pig as I learned things and tried to apply them.  She isn’t a blogger, but she was willing to help me and support me because she is a true friend.  Our relationship has lasted for years simply because our relationship is a two-way street.

Where do I find a support system?

You need others to surround you that will help you stay focused on the things that are most important to you.  As a homeschooling mom, you need to find other homeschooling moms.  If you’re a classroom teacher, you need to find other teachers.  As a mama, you need to find other mamas.  Do you notice a pattern?  Without a doubt, your greatest support will come from those in similar situations…walking the same road.

Online Support

Unfortunately, geographically-speaking, this may not be easy and sometimes it may actually be impossible.  So, you must think outside the box a little bit.  The online world can be an invaluable asset to you as you seek out support.

Look for blogs you like that give you help, encouragement, and ideas.  Seek out bloggers who are on (or who have been down) similar paths.  There are blogs dedicated to every topic known to man.  Do like the Bible says “Seek, and ye shall find…” (Matthew 7:7).

Prayer Warriors

Where I live, there are only a handful of homeschooling families, and therefore, I have to seek out support from women who are on different paths in their lives.  However, the tie that binds us is our faith.

I have a special group of friends from my church who pray for me even though none of them homeschool.  One friend works for the school system, another is a nursing home administrator, and one is a stay-at-home mom. 

These amazing ladies have children who attend public school, but they pray for me and support me because they are my sisters in Christ.

Honestly, if I could only have one friend on this earth, I would want it to be a prayer warrior who loves Jesus more than anything this world has to offer.

We are not meant to go through this life as lone individuals.  We are designed for friendship, love, and support.  However, to receive support, we need to give support.  Friendship should always be a reciprocal relationship.  Finally, we need prayer warriors who will lift us up in prayer because it is the way we were designed by the Creator of the universe.