Strong May Not Be Helpful

I am thinking about strong people and weak people, as popularly understood.  I suppose that some folks would think Donald Trump is strong.  Maybe not you, but who do you think of as 'strong'?

Now think of damaged folks, people who hurt physically much of each day, some elderly folks who have trouble getting around -- you get the idea.  Who do you know that seems 'weak'?

In your experience, who is most consistently helpful?  The 'strong' or the 'weak' folks?

In my experience, the strong are usually absorbed in themselves, in staying strong, in demonstrating their strength.  The 'weak', however, know how to be helped and how much help is useful.  Not in all cases, but in most cases, the 'weak', so called, more consistently offer a helping hand, a listening ear, a gift of time.

I had a friend, new in the business world, somewhat unsure of himself who would take the time to help others.  He brought a backhoe over and dug me a shallow well so that I could irrigate my yard.  No charge.  Just help.

A few years later he was successful, with one of the bigger houses in the community, and instead of being helpful he began to be critical of others, wanting things done 'his way' or not at all.  His strength did not make him more caring.

Another friend has suffered from an ongoing illness for over thirty years.  She is consistently helpful to coworkers, fellow church members, her family, and just about everyone she meets.  Strong?  Weak?  Most people who are 'strong' would consider her 'weak', but I consider her somewhat wonderful.  Helpful  Friendly.

What do you think?  Leave a comment or an example and let us know.