As a child in foster care, I wanted to be rescued. My first desire was for a family member, a friend’s parent, or someone from the neighborhood to rescue me. My rescue ended up being foster care. It wasn’t the ideal situation, but it assisted.
In my transition to an adult, something strange happened. The never rescued girl decided she would rescue the ones she loved. I wanted to be the person everyone could depend on. Family, friends, neighbors, and sometimes strangers knew Lorrie would come to the rescue.
This became tiring, costly, and dangerous. I’ve risked my life and spent my money to help abused women leave relationships, and they returned to the abuser. Purchased items for others that I wouldn’t buy for myself because they were too expensive. Ruined my credit by signing repayment agreements with people that walked away from the deal.
But I learned, I can’t rescue anyone. I survived with the skills learned from not being rescued. And so must everyone else. I can instruct and provide emotional support, but there are things individuals must do for themselves. Establishing goals, boundaries, and self-control to build their tailor-made tomorrow for themselves. And although I would love to rescue the world, I can’t. But I can share my experiences as we all travel through this thing called life.
So, for those waiting to be rescued, I am sorry that may never happen. But I encourage you to take the lifelines that may not solve your issues but cushion the blow. Because that cushion may be all, you need to stay in the fight of life.
