When was the last time you were vulnerable? I mean, really vulnerable. Society isn’t real keen on sharing who we are, warts and all. We post the high points, but no one really wants to see the low ones. I wonder why that is? It’s not as if any President has ever declared, “We shall be perfect in every way!” I’d like to suggest that weakness is courageous.
When I was 44 I found myself in need of some time on a counselor’s couch. After a few visits he asked, “What happens when you fall apart?” My immediate response was, “I don’t.” He grinned, I fell apart. That’s when I realized I was a fraud. I hadn’t been giving myself permission to look weak. How would everyone survive without my unfailing strength and barrel ahead can-do attitude? It turns out, they’re fine.
According to 2 Corinthians 12:9, Jesus tells us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” This tells me that not only is there freedom in letting go, but He can actually work through me MORE if I am weak. Trusting Him for guidance and strength is enough.
Now I’m not here to say this is easy. I had to work on releasing the idea that people might think I’m incapable of saving the world. And by the way, how did I ever take that upon myself in the first place? I had to embrace Brene Brown’s idea and “show up and be seen”. Let me tell you, that was scary. But practice makes perfect (just kidding) and eventually courage became easier and I began to see how vulnerability was the big winner. Think about it. When people share their burdens or deepest fears, we love them more because they become more like us. Vulnerability brings connection.
So how about it? Do you have the courage it takes to be weak so He can be strong? I may not be able to save the world, but I don’t need to. He already did.
-Camey Dill, Frisco Young Life Committee
When I was 44 I found myself in need of some time on a counselor’s couch. After a few visits he asked, “What happens when you fall apart?” My immediate response was, “I don’t.” He grinned, I fell apart. That’s when I realized I was a fraud. I hadn’t been giving myself permission to look weak. How would everyone survive without my unfailing strength and barrel ahead can-do attitude? It turns out, they’re fine.
According to 2 Corinthians 12:9, Jesus tells us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” This tells me that not only is there freedom in letting go, but He can actually work through me MORE if I am weak. Trusting Him for guidance and strength is enough.
Now I’m not here to say this is easy. I had to work on releasing the idea that people might think I’m incapable of saving the world. And by the way, how did I ever take that upon myself in the first place? I had to embrace Brene Brown’s idea and “show up and be seen”. Let me tell you, that was scary. But practice makes perfect (just kidding) and eventually courage became easier and I began to see how vulnerability was the big winner. Think about it. When people share their burdens or deepest fears, we love them more because they become more like us. Vulnerability brings connection.
So how about it? Do you have the courage it takes to be weak so He can be strong? I may not be able to save the world, but I don’t need to. He already did.
-Camey Dill, Frisco Young Life Committee
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