A lot of us, myself included, put on that fake smile and just try to get through the day. When we feel as though our world is crumbling around us, we act as if everything is fine. When the going gets tough, we believe we can get stronger and just power through it. We believe we can do anything and the bad times will soon fade away.

We feel as though hiding our true feelings and not having a breakdown in front of others really makes us strong. We fear reaching out to others in times of need and despair. We believe suffering in silence is the only way to do it. We are taught tears show weakness and that weakness is shameful.

Although, through our worst times and after making mess upon mess, laying it all out on the line with others is the strongest thing we could ever do. Real beauty and strength is established when we become completely vulnerable and reveal our darkest moments and thoughts to those around us. Instead of hiding to a friend and pretending as though everything is fine, we should be able to open up and trust their heart and intentions. Open up about our fears, desires and sins. How would we ever really get to know people without opening up to them first? Someone could be struggling with exact same issues as you. Glazing over important issues that we are dealing with takes us absolutely nowhere.

But we fear laying it all out on the line. In doing so, we face the possibility of judgment, persecution and ultimately abandonment.

“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10

It’s when we start to take account for our own faults and accepting those of others that we become strong. And hopefully, through the understanding and acceptance of others, we begin to see the real and beautiful grace Christ has provided us with all along. The friends who love and accept you exemplify all that Christ has done for us. Christ works through others so we are able to see all he gives us.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Times of pain and suffering are when we call out to the Lord the loudest. That is when we realize we can’t do it all. We will never be able to solve our problems independently. We surrender to his might. In admitting we are weak, he gives us all the strength we need. We need his power, love and guidance.

When we feel as if we are drowning. When we feel completely alone. When we sense that all hope is lost.

Just know he is there every step of the way and is graciously providing us with everlasting strength.