How does family shape your perception of strength? People say that when you have kids you “love them so greatly that you would die for them”. This is true, but this love is so much deeper than that. It’s like the moment they are yours, a hook catches deep in your soul, and if anything were to happen to them those hooks would tear you apart and you would be wounded so deeply and gravely you can hardly imagine it.
And now that you have them and you love them, you are open, exposed, vulnerable to the deepest hurt anyone can know—loosing them.
This wound is similar with a spouse, but so much deeper when you have a tiny dependent soul that looks to you for everything they need. It takes such great strength to love so deeply and know that you are now vulnerable to greatest wound a person can know. I think this is a much deeper vulnerability and strength than I ever imagined. It makes me so grateful for the strength of my own parents in loving me and caring for me as well.
What keeps you strong in times of trial? God’s grace is sufficient for me and is my strength in my time of weakness. My hope and trust in God is what anchors my soul.
How have your trials made you stronger? Every trial I have gone through has shown me that I can experience great pain, but still come through whole. Every trial I have gone through has shown me that though I may walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I am not alone.
How can you be strong and vulnerable? Allowing yourself to be vulnerable = strength. Vulnerability means being open to harm. If you willingly open yourself up to the possibility of being hurt, you are saying I understand that I can be hurt, and I am willing to risk that and endure that for a greater purpose. It takes great strength to knowingly take a step that may cause you pain, even if there is great gain to be achieved.
What’s one thing someone could do today to make them stronger? Talk about your weaknesses with someone you love and trust and who will point you to the truth. Be vulnerable and open yourself up.
Ally’s Intentional Act of Kindness
How did you use the $100? I contributed the funds to help sponsor a girls Bible study retreat at my local church focused on raising up wise and strong young women. Young girls (8-12), can easily be overlooked or considered too young or immature to grasp concepts of wisdom and strength. But theses beautiful souls are ready to learn and be poured into. This retreat is a time for them to bond and time for their moms who are leading them to pour into them specially without the distractions of other siblings or responsibilities. I felt like it was the perfect opportunity to help raise up more strong women in my community.
What was the 'Intentional Act of Kindness' process like for you? I really appreciated having a set amount that I was supposed to spend by a certain time. Having funds set aside and dedicated helped me see opportunities to spread love and generosity all over my community in ways that I would normally shut down because I “don’t had the money..” This process helped me to be more mindful and intentional throughout the month and just consider ways I could help or encourage others.