This morning, I was coming out of the bathroom, ready to face the day. I pushed down on the door handle, only for it to sheer off in my hand. It was a really stiff handle to start with, so try as I might, I just couldn’t get the door handle to budge.

With a prayer, and an internal resolution to stay calm, I tried using a towel to gain some purchase. That didn’t work. Then I decided to try watching you tube, and to use my nailfile to take the door handle panel off, but the screws were painted over. Not to be deterred, I tried other things- the recommendation was to use a credit card to lever the metal bit back, but it was an inward moving door.

A different approach was needed. There was a small window, but I was on the first floor. If I was young and agile I could have jumped onto the porch roof, and then onto the ground. That’s what they do in the films, but it did not seem like a great option for me!

I was fine, but still not able to get anywhere. Then I decided to look for a local, friendly, available locksmith. I was fortunate enough to have my phone with me. Friends gave advice, local people tried to help. At one point I thought of shouting help out the window.

Eventually, after many adventures, my son came and tried climbing up the bin. A very kind and wonderful local lady found another neighbour with a ladder, and then my son climbed onto the porch roof, and gave me tools through the open window to get what was left of the door handle to turn. At last, freedom.

The saying is that all heroes don’t wear capes. I was so grateful to my son climbing up onto the roof to help, for local people trying to get a locksmith for me, for the man who lent us a ladder, for a community of friends who offered helpful suggestions.

It reminded me of the verse from Galatians 5:13 ‘serve one another in love.’ A whole group of people worked together to get me out, and I am so grateful. Everyone played a part.

That is how the world should be, how the church should be. Not judgemental- how did you break the door handle in the first place! Not self absorbed- walking on the other side of the street head down. But rather looking for ways to help and to bless.

I am so grateful to all those who helped and prayed, and for God who set me free. May we all be able to trust Him even in the most unlikely of circumstances, and may there always be some one willing to help each one of us.

Gracious God, You hold the whole world in your hands, so a broken door handle is nothing to You. Help us turn to You when  we need help, and may we as a community be there for one another. Help us not to squabble and be concerned only about ourselves. Lord Jesus you heard the cry of those who were sick, felt rejected or were marginalised. You sent your Holy Spirit to set the captive free, to heal the sick, to bring the lost back to the fold. Thank you that You never let us down, and that because of the cross, You invite us into that heavenly fold where there is no more mourning or crying or pain. May we trust You in this life and the next, in all things big and small, in Jesus name, Amen