 We all have to be strong. Men, women, and children. All of us have to be strong because the weak don't go anywhere in life. At least that's what we're told. Real men don't cry because real men don't cry. That's pretty much the extent of that rationale. Women don't cry because we're already too emotional as it is. That rationale is just idiotic. Children can cry because "crying is for babies," but even their crying is annoying after a while. Babies cry because they need something. You either haven't fed them, changed their diaper, or loved them in a while. But don't we all cry because we need something? If you had a bad breakup, you cry because you're overwhelmed with the feeling of not having that person in your life anymore. You feel like you need them. When you fall off your bike and cry out in pain, you need relief from said pain. We cry like babies because we are like babies: we're human. But I'm not one to talk. I hate crying. I hate it because I feel weak when I cry and my pride tells me that I need to be strong. Strong people don't cry. "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." - 2 Corinthians 12:9 Paul is such a wise guy. It's a huge thing nowadays to say that we "find our strength in the Lord," but do we really? I know I don't because I'm a strong, independent woman who doesn't need anybody and I forget how much I need God.
We're not strong. No matter what we do, what we say, or how we act, we will never be strong. Only God is strong. When we accept our weakness is when God can work his strength into us. He's like those cool exoskeletons that everyone is trying to build. If I'm being all too honest, I don't know how soon it will be that I will "boast in my weakness," but I sure am aware that I should. Now you're aware, too. You don't have to be strong for anyone, not even yourself. Christ calls us to have a child-like faith, and we've already established that children cry. Don't be afraid to cry. It doesn't make you any more weak than you already are. It doesn't take away the strength that you don't have. Just don't cry in front of me because that makes me really uncomfortable and I'm still working through this, too. |
