Life is filled with uncertainty, mistakes, and remorse for many of us. This leads to situations where we seek an escape. This need to escape leads to an "any means necessary" mindset, which causes us to look for a crutch to help us through tough times.
These crutches manifest themselves in a variety of ways, from drinking and drug use to poor choices in friends and relationships.
The worse the times, the more we rely on our crutch until, ultimately, it cannot support us any longer.
What happens next is up to us; we can fall and hit bottom or stand up and right ourselves by changing the habits that have led us to where we are.
Even as I write these words, I know someone will say it is easier said than done. There is little doubt that it is true, but it can be done.
How do I know? I have seen many people in my own life break the chains they have been shackled with through poor life choices, addictions, and self-depreciation by finding a better way.
The road they travel “from a crutch to a cane” is difficult but not impossible.
It starts slowly, first by getting up, changing direction, and seeking help. This is where the cane comes in. We were not designed to go through life alone, and we do not have to. The need to lean on someone for support is normal and natural; it is a part of being human.
Putting down our crutches, even if we still need a cane to lean on, is the beginning of a new life.
You see, I have found that I never needed the crutch in the first place. I just thought I did. But I know I will always need a cane. It is up to us where we find our cane and how long we use it.
The cane I lean on is Jesus. He is the one I turn to when I feel I may stumble or fall. I also lean on my wife, children, siblings, and friends. How long will I use this cane? Forever because I will always need the love and support of my Savior and those whom I love and who love me.
Going “from a crutch to a cane” has brought me freedom and helped me see the value of allowing someone else in. When I read the Bible, pray, and talk with my wife, I avoid the crutches of the past and lean on the cane of the present.
I am writing this to remind myself and anyone who might read it that it is okay to have had a period when we used crutches. It is just not OK to use them forever.
Conversely, the cane may be with us forever, but that is okay because a cane can be quite stylish anyway!
Psalm 34:4,” I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
❤️