Let’s tell a story anew…

There once was a red hen who found some seeds on the ground. When she had the idea to plant the seeds, her friend Dog ran by.

“Oh Hen!” Dog jumped and bent towards Hen. “Do you want to play with me?” Dog asked as his tail wagged.

“I have something to do today, Dog.” Hen said quickly.

“Okay!” Dog ran away and Hen planted the seeds alone.

Every day the dog asked to play. Every day Hen said she had something to do. She was busy planting and taking care of the seeds. Till they become beautiful stalks of wheat. The stalks drew the attention of Hen’s friend, a sleepy cat.

“How pretty,” Cat purred as she sauntered on the fence. “Could I sleep here?” Cat asked Hen as Hen cut the wheat. 

“I am busy, Cat.” Hen clucked as she glared at Cat.

“Well, I know when I’m not wanted.” Cat hissed and walked away. Hen continued to cut the wheat alone. Once the wheat was cut, she went to the mill. On her way, she ran into her friend Duck.

“Hen! Hi! Where are you going? The mill? Your wheat looks great! Who helped?”

“I did it myself.” Hen huffed.

“Oh wow! That must have been hard, but it looks great. I can’t grow anything, but I can swim really good-”

“Duck!” Hen yelled. Duck stopped. “I’m really glad that you’re a great swimmer, but I have to get to the mill.” 

“I, I see.” Duck said quietly. “I can go with you?”

“I will be fine. Go talk to Cat.” Hen insisted.

“Okay.” Duck waddled away and Hen continued to the mill alone. At the mill, she grounded the wheat into flour. Once the flour was bagged, she ran into all three of her friends. 

“Hen!” Greeted Dog and Duck. Cat just looked away. “What are you doing?”

“I am going to bake.” Hen said as she walked away.

“Do you want us-”

“I am fine!” Hen yelled and walked faster to the farm. There she baked the bread all alone. She ate it all alone too. 

REAL TALK:

In the original story, The Red Hen asks for help. Even though she doesn’t get it, her friends still go to her. When she doesn’t ask for help, she ends up all alone.

When we ask for help, we create connections. When we rely on God, our trust and that connection deepens with Him. Ask God for help and you’ll never be alone.

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Hebrews 4:16 NLT