When Weakness is Strength (#fmfparty)

What seems like weakness is actually strength in disguise when we refuse to let weakness overtake us.

• Weakness is strength when we see things as they really are--not what we think they should be or what they could have been.
• Weakness is strength when we feel the intense pain that was brought to us through the words, hands, and actions of others throughout the course of our life.
• Weakness is strength when we cry those long-buried tears as we lift up the proverbial rug that everything has been swept under during our lifetime. 
• Weakness is strength when we utter those secrets that have held us captive.
• Weakness is strength when we reach out for help to navigate the swirling emotions and feelings that we always refused to feel because they cannot stay contained anymore.
• Weakness is strength when we take a step back from life and recognize all the unhealthy coping patterns that allow us to project a strong front when we are crumbling inside.
• Weakness is strength when we give up the thing we long for that temporarily distances us from our present pain.
• Weakness is strength when we choose to take the next step even though we don't know where it will lead.
• Weakness is strength when we really don't know how to have faith anymore but believe that faith the size of a mustard seed is enough.
• Weakness is strength when we share our load knowing that we weren't created to bear all the pain of the past, present, and future alone.
• Weakness is strength when we remember who we are and Whose we are...when we are created by God, the ultimate creator, everything we think we are pales in comparison with that.
• Weakness is strength when we realize "fake it until you make it" doesn't always work and that sometimes we just can't fake it anymore and find the strength to admit that before it's too late.
• Weakness is strength when we give up systems that no longer work for us because they help us perpetuate patterns that keep us stuck and unable to live out our potential.
• Weakness is strength when we accept the journey of healing for it is a journey that takes everything from us emotionally, spiritually, physically, and mentally yet it replenishes us with something completely different in return that frees, restores, and fulfills far beyond anything else.

Weakness is actually the place where I've found the greatest strength. Because if it weren't for the weak times, I wouldn't have known how strong and how resilient I am. God has called us out of those weak places and gives us grace, mercy, love, and strength for our journey. Weaknesses and strengths look different to each person so we cannot afford to minimize or discredit what another journey looks like based off what we think a person should do or say or where we think they should be at a certain point in their journey. Rather, we should be the ones to come alongside others when they are weak and lend our compassion, empathy, and confidence as we help others walk toward strength no matter how big or how small their steps may be.

"Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

II Corinthians 12:7-10

Five Minute Friday (#FMFparty) gives writers a word prompt. We are encouraged to write whatever comes to mind about that word in just five minutes.  No editing, no perfection, only writing from the heart.  To find out more, visit http://katemotaung.com/five-minute-friday/.  This week's word is "WEAK".