Nancy Kuhuski

What do you do when you’re the one everyone looks to in times of trouble? What if you’re so consistent that everyone counts on you to be a rock? What if when you’re sliding under and at serious risk of drowning, others see you and think “Oh how nice, she’s going for a swim”…

It doesn’t matter who you are, how many highly honed skills you have, or how vast your capacity is… we all reach our breaking point from time to time. …And that’s okay- we’re all human!

To all the strong girls (or guys):

• Don’t wait for others to notice you’re not just “going for a swim”. Reach out to a trusted friend who hears your heart, not just your words.
• Receive the help and compassion you are being offered. You don’t have to be strong all the time!
• We weren’t created to be strong on our own. “Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 We weren't created to be strong on our own. Share on X

To all those who know or love a strong girl (or guy):

• Don’t assume just because she’s a strong swimmer, she’s not struggling to stay above water. Watch and check in with her!
• Listen carefully. A strong girl may not have an answer if you simply ask if there is anything you can do. Spend enough time to hear beyond her initial response.
• Practice the ministry of presence. Simply being present when you know she is struggling can help her avoid going under. “Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.” Job 2:13

Bottom line – being the strong one or not, we need each other! With so much happening in our world and communities, can we commit to reaching out, receiving, and not being afraid of our weakness? Can we check in, listen carefully, and be present? Let’s take care of each other!