viking fridays – give and give again.
December 12, 2008
With raiment and arms shall friends gladden each other,
so has one proved oneself,
for friends last longest, if fate be fair,
who give and give again.
- The Hávamál
I have been thinking about this one for a while, and the time is right to share it.
Since I started this whole adventure here, I have encountered nothing but helpful people. It is amazing, really – so many opportunities have and are presenting themselves that I would never have known had I not taken a chance.
So thank you, one and all.
This week, though, I am not going to talk about me. There was what has to be the best example of people helping others in need that I can think of in a long time.
A few days ago, Michael Martine had a very unfortunate incident, and was very lucky to escape in one piece.
His Jeep, however, was not so lucky.
In what is one of the most honest pieces of writing I’ve seen in a long time, Michael asked for a hand. And people delivered.
*This* is the power of what we have out here, the friendships we have forged.
I am grinning from ear to ear this week because of it – for it doesn’t take much for us to lend a hand, and together, we can do just about anything.
And then today, James Chartrand talked about having the courage to ask for help.
No matter what it is, no one is alone – doesn’t matter what is going on in your life, don’t be afraid to ask someone for help.
It might not be because you need a new car, or whatever – maybe you just need to talk to somebody because you had a bad day.
(Maybe you just need to borrow an umbrella so you can storm a castle. You can borrow mine if you like.)
Reach out.
Don’t be afraid.
Someone is here to help.
It might take a lot of courage to do it, but it will pay off in the end. Just ask Michael.
And as a friend, be there – it doesn’t take much to lend a hand, and it can mean all the difference for someone in need.
Give, and give again – even if they don’t ask for help.
‘Tis the season, after all.
(Click HERE for full-sized Friar Toon)
Rock on, Brett. Let’s take this one viral.
James Chartrand – Men with Pens’s last blog post..Do You Have the Courage to Ask for Help?
I agree, James – we have the power in our hands.
Oh, wow. Thanks, Brett. You what is becoming fascinating to me is the reactions that others have to this whole thing. It really touches a nerve in people, except it’s different nerves in different people.
Thanks so much for the boost and for spreading the word. I simply would not be able to get through this without the help I have received. Thank you.
Michael Martine’s last blog post..Social Media has the Power to Change Lives, and I Should Know
Michael,
No worries. I know, there is quite the conversation going on today at various places, from all angles.
You are welcome! And you know what to do – keep on doing what you do, and pay it forward (if I may borrow from that movie).
Give and give again, how amazing a world it would be if this was the case. The power of community in raising awareness if amazing. I’m about discover what happened to James and Michael, thanks for making me a more aware citizen.
Neil’s last blog post..7 Tips On Selecting An Investment Professional
Brett,
Beautiful, of course. Your heart shines through on this one.
“Maybe you just need to talk to somebody because you had a bad day.” Ah, now there’s one where I can ask for help. Though I don’t always talk about my day, so the person might not know. Sometimes just talking about any old thing is a great help.
I love those Vikings. They’ve got a saying for everything, it seems, and each is better than the last. This one really brought a tear to my eye. Thanks.
Regards,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..Ambition vs. Stability: Which Would You Choose?
@Neil,
No kidding – and it really wouldn’t take too much. It can be as simple as telling someone you know about Michael’s story, perhaps. Even though they won’t know who he is, it could make someone think, “hmm, I *can* make a difference”.
@Kelly,
Thank you – hey, I had to do something, what with helping to burn down your blog yesterday and everything
Talking about any old thing – yes, that is great medicine. Even if we don’t talk about the issue in question that caused a bad day, just the simple interaction with someone who cares can often be enough.
Kind of like those walks Francis and I talked about here the other day. We’d just talk about good stuff, and it would make all the bad stuff go away. Friar & I do that too.
It is a nice way to unplug.
If there’s anyone I know who is a fine example of what you’re talking about – that is, giving and giving again – it’s you, Brett. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who gives so willingly and unconditionally and often. And amazingly, you never seem spread too thin. In word and deed, you’re truly an inspiration.
Thank you.
steph’s last blog post..I Miss You — And Me
@steph,
Well, thank you – and the other person I was thinking about who is the definition of honest and heartfelt writing, is you.
I hope you had a good week, my friend – I will catch up with you over the weekend to say hello.
I’ve been hearing about this whole all over the blogosphere. He is more honest than I could ever be.
Matthew Dryden’s last blog post..Living You a Story
I know. I’m not sure I would have been able to do the same thing myself, so I had to take my hat off to him for having the guts to do it.
[...] this particular human trait should be just for Christmas. As Brett Legree says over at 6 Weeks, “Give, and give again – even if they don’t ask for [...]
Unfortunately for me, asking for help is not an easy thing to do. Even though I know somewhere in my head that most, if not all of my friends are willing to help, I have a hard time getting the courage to ask. Of course that gets me into more trouble sometimes, especially when it takes me a really long time to ask for help and by then I need more than I would have to start with. I am better about asking but I still suck at it. I’m always afraid of having no one to help me.
Jenny’s last blog post..My Christmas Spirit
@Jenny,
Sometimes it isn’t easy, I agree. Often times it can start by just having a friend to talk with on a regular basis. I find that works best for me, actually. A friend will often sense your need for help and ask you about it.
I don’t usually reply to posts but I will in this case. I really enjoy your writing. I’ll be back.