Helping Ourselves and Others Climb

Helping Ourselves and Others Climb
Monday, July 28, 2025 by CF Sherrow

Categories: Faithfulness of God / Trauma and recovery

Ever heard this? He’s a self-made man, pulled himself up by his own bootstraps.

No, we’re not going to explore the etymology of this very old saying. But let’s talk about the sentiment behind it.

Not quite sure why society admires someone who doesn’t lean on others – maybe to the point of rejecting genuine offers of help. No matter how smart, educated, or hard-working you are, you can’t do it alone. Literally everyone has had some kind of help and support along the way.

Even scripture tells us that two are better than one; if one stumbles, the other can help him up. Oh, certainly, the fallen one would (barring injury) be likely to get up by himself. But it would be much easier to accomplish that task with some assistance.

We all need help. Sometimes it’s a parent, a sibling, or a friend. Sometimes it’s an observant boss or coworker. Maybe it’s a book, whether fiction or nonfiction, that fills the bill for inspiration.

And, of course, scripture has the answers we need for living. Even if no person will be there for you, God will. He promises to never leave us.

And He never breaks a promise.