I recently had a conversation with a longtime friend and colleague of 30+ years. We don’t speak as often as we used to, but no doubt we meet in the trenches.

I expressed to him the dangers of wearing the “label” – STRONG. A label we often wear proudly as a leader, but a label that also doesn’t allow others to see our own pain and the color red. We can be strong for a season, but we, too, grow weary and bleed like everyone else.

The reason I was able to express that to him is because I’ve worn that “label” longer than I can remember. Often, we try so hard to live up to that label, we don’t allow others to see our bleeding heart.  We spend so much time trying to lick our own wounds and keep it moving. The truth is, God didn’t intend for it to be that way.  No one is meant to walk this journey alone.

 ” Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Gal. 6:2 NKJV 

There’s a two-fold message:

1. Wear your label carefully. It’s perfectly fine to be strong, but you are not meant to be strong all the time. It’s not God’s plan for you to walk alone. Get the rest you need and don’t be afraid to ask or receive help. (Oxygen mask) I speak as someone that has been guilty on all counts and has been the recipient of God sending me help like “angels on parachutes”, from unexpected places.
2. Be mindful of those that wear the strong label. Somewhere and somehow in their life they must have earned that label, but that doesn’t mean they don’t hurt, they don’t bleed, and they don’t need help.  Most strong people have learned to walk in pain to be successful. You may not need to ‘carry’ them, but you can walk alongside.

If you are someone trying to be STRONG, remember God has an army of people that can lighten your load.

If you know someone that is STRONG, take the time to listen to what they are not saying.   They may be speaking volumes with their silence.

Please feel free to send us a note.  Let us help you lighten the load!

Blessings,