Weakness and Honesty

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Imperfections

While on holiday I found a story of a young woman, Wilma Westenberg, who is a very successful crafting blogger. When photographed, she would pose only ever showing the right side of her face. This is because Wilma has a large tumor on the left side of her face. She was understandably anxious about how her readers’ would respond if they saw her face fully. Flow magazine tells of her growing success that brought with it increasing anxiety, as she didn’t feel she was being authentic to her readers. Eventually with great courage Wilma stepped into the unknown and posted a beautiful photo of herself, seated crocheting in the Grand Canyon – facing the camera. The response from her audience was incredible. She touched thousands of people and many who struggle greatly with their imperfections. In doing so, she also broke through her anxiety of being rejected. 

I am inspired and challenged by Wilma’s courage. It’s a story we can all relate to in some smaller way. Our society pursues perfection right from the outset of life. Industries make millions helping us hide physical imperfections. We may try hard to hide emotional insecurities. I can relate. It’s natural to hide our weaknesses from others, God, and even ourselves. This story promoted a growing movement on social media, all about sharing more realistic photos and stories of ourselves. It acknowledges how touched up photos and stories have a role to play in depression and anxiety. Our brains really struggle to tell the difference between reality and polished lives.

Weakness

 Many years ago I belonged to a large church where one Sunday the pastor shared of his anxiety of open spaces. He was a strong leader who made himself very vulnerable sharing something of his shadow side. It was a tender and powerful moment. So many times we find we can relate more to people who share their vulnerabilities. As we share ours, we often help people not feel alone in theirs. You may know from experience that mental illness can be a very lonely experience. 

I want to share a little about a weakness of mine common to many. God has saved me and done an amazing restoration work in my life by His Spirit. When I look back to where I was years ago, I feel like a new person. All the while, 

I still walk through life with a limp, called anxiety…I probably always will.

I can honestly say I know more peace and healing than I’ve ever known. In recent weeks I have busted through challenges that I would have avoided till now. I do the mental work of renewing my mind and enjoy the gains I make. Yet worry is still part of my lived experience. There’s a real tension here coined ‘the here and not yet’. I know healing here in part, but not in full till God’s new creation. I know God’s comfort, peace and joy. And running through the beauty is a thread of anxiety.

Jesus is more than a crutch for me. He is my Rock and that will always be the case. When I bring this weakness to God, I experience his grace, His power in my point of weakness. As my friend Phil Tait has said, ‘If we can learn weakness we can also learn the power and strength of God’. We can do great things as we learn to trust the One who gives us strength. This dependence grows our faith in our Father’s care. We can feel our lack, and with courage discover how he empowers us with His Spirit. Even as we are growing and healing we can’t outgrow our need for Jesus. God said to the Apostle Paul,

This scripture is of great encouragement to all believers who are painfully aware of their weaknesses or point of pressure in life. God knows your weaknesses and how you need him. He wants you to mature and grow closer in dependence on him. I want to encourage you to ask God for His help to do more than you could imagine. Notice his power in your weakness and delight yourself in Him.

Prayer

Father, you know me inside and out, through and through. You delight in me, the good the bad and the beautiful. Thank you for the hope of healing in this life and it’s completion in the next. Guide me towards healing and help me bring my weakness to you Jesus, for you made this all possible. Amen.

Activate

1. Consider sharing a weakness with a friend, or someone you can trust to listen and pray with you. You may find you encourage them and grow closer in friendship.

2. Grow your faith in God’s power by jotting down what you experienced ‘before’ and ‘after’ situations where you called on God’s strength.

I have been ministered to by this song on grace. I hope you enjoy it!

Ngā mihi,

Bronnie