In Need of Help

My daughter discovered the microphone.  This particular microphone sits behind a fence, atop a counter inside a booth.  Words spoken do not require a melody, rhythm or talent.  Words spoken do require enthusiasm and love for America’s greatest game. . .Baseball!

Yep, she moved from player to press box.  Her voice heard miles away as each batter steps up to the plate (literally, she has yet to grasp the concept that the microphone projects the voice and no need to yell into it).  She carefully pronounces each name, drawing out syllables to mimic major league announcers.  The love behind the microphone brings pleasure in watching the game regardless of our team’s outcome.  She cannot hide favoritism, though announcing for both teams.  A small little voice cheers the home team on between announcements of each batter.  She spreads much encouragement to her brother and teammates.

One particular evening I arrived late to the game.  I heard numerous voices from the press box; therefore, believed all to be running well and assumed adult supervision was present.  After a few mistakes in pronunciations and lineup, I felt the need to check on the status of the press box.  Up the steps I went to find my little daughter running the show alone.  The microphone remained in the ‘on’ position due to occupied hands unable to switch back and forth between batters.  One hand remained on score board function keys and the other hand held tightly to the pitch count keys. 

I asked how it was going.  The beautiful, passionate and wonderful little girl veered her head toward me with a frazzled look.  “I need help,” was the response.  She appeared to be drowning in the requirements of announcer.  Her help bailed on her for various reasons: you know, popcorn smell drew them to the concession stand, a whiffle ball game developed on another field, friends arrived and hanging out sounder better than press box duties, etc.  Being as I was the only breathing body available, she resorted to accepting help from an old woman such as myself!

Reluctant to let go of any duties at first, I had to ask three times before finally receiving an assignment.  I was to keep track of pitch count.  Once assigned, I work diligently to keep track correctly.  While I spend most games in the stands, I had no idea of all that went on in the press box.  Seeing the game from a different perspective increased respect for such a position. 

My daughter sat amongst chaos, list of duties beyond one person’s ability and unable to reach for help.  She could not leave the press box and miss a play or announcing a batter.  She could not scream over the microphone for help for fear of disturbing the players.  She remained.  Stuck.  Drowning.  Frazzled. 

Ever felt like my daughter?  Maybe you are remaining in a situation that once seemed perfect, exhilarating and comfortable.  Maybe you are stuck between a rock and a hard place unable to break free.  Maybe you are drowning and unable to see a hand to pull you up.  Maybe life just keeps you in a frazzled state.  Regardless of the emotion, Hope awaits.  Help remains available.  Though others in this world may leave due to better circumstances, greater opportunities or easier pathways; God will not leave you.  God remains and continues to work with you through all times.

We must let go and allow God to take the pressures weighing heavily on our shoulders.  Lay it at the cross and trust Him to work diligently for you.  Take a step back from the situation; shout to God for help amidst all the chaos knowing that without God the tasks which lay before you cannot be completed.  Without God healing from hurts will not last.  Without God emotions run rampant sending us in directions less than desired. 

Let us discover the cross.  Let us approach the cross.  The cross waits in clear sight representing the One Who died to remain inside each of us.  No need for talent, skills, perfection or answers.  Approaching the cross does require humility, honesty, hope and open hands.  At the cross, we find Love which fills the situation and brings purpose to our lives. 

Make today the day you move from broken and battered to hopeful and healed.  A still small voice stands strongly by your side.  He roots for your team regardless of what the world believes should be the outcome.  He works every situation out for good as you approach the cross.  Let go and let Him help my friend! 

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.