Today, I try to live in that same strength, while being open and vulnerable with the places in my life that still feel like open wounds. I can help others know they’re not alone in their grief, confusion, self-doubt, anger and fear without being stone cold emotionless or alternatively a puddle of heaving tears.

However, the only reason Christ’s strength shows up in those moments of vulnerable heart sharing, for me, is because I’ve been so broken before Him in my alone time. I may have not been as open with people, but I sure let God know how I was truly feeling. God’s grace is too good because before he led me to owning my weakness in public, He made me comfortable with my pain in His presence. In fact, it’s so wise to let God take a look at your mess first before discerning how to share it with people.