Strength isn’t silence—it’s being honest about what hurts.
There’s a quiet kind of pressure many of us carry. It’s not always spoken out loud, but it whispers constantly: “Keep it together.”
Smile. Nod. Say you’re good—even when you’re not.
Somewhere along the way, many of us were taught that strength means silence. That the more you can endure without breaking, the stronger you are. But let’s be honest—eventually, that kind of strength cracks.
The Hidden Weight We Carry
It’s not weakness to feel tired.
It’s not failure to feel overwhelmed.
It’s not a lack of faith to admit you’re struggling.
David—the man after God’s own heart—had moments when his soul was utterly shattered. He wrote in Psalm 6:6 (NLT), “I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears.”
And yet, that same David wasn’t any less of a leader, any less of a man, or any less of a believer for expressing his pain. If anything, his honesty is part of what made his relationship with God so intimate.
Silence Doesn’t Heal—Honesty Does
Pretending you’re fine keeps you trapped in cycles of loneliness. The people who love you can’t carry what you won’t hand over. Even God—who already knows—waits for us to invite Him into the real places.
Psalm 34:18 (CSB) reminds us:
“The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit.”
Notice what it doesn’t say. It doesn’t say He’s near the ones who fake strength or pretend everything’s okay. He draws near to broken hearts—not masked ones.
The Courage to Be Seen
There’s actually more strength in saying:
- “I’m not okay today.”
- “This situation hurts.”
- “I need prayer.”
When you bring your honest heart to trusted people, you’re not being weak—you’re making room for healing. Galatians 6:2 (NLT) says it this way:
“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”
We were never meant to carry everything alone. God created us for connection, for community, for safe spaces where we can breathe again.
When You Drop the Mask, Healing Begins
You don’t have to keep proving you’re strong. Your healing begins the moment you stop performing and start letting go. God isn’t waiting for your perfect posture. He’s waiting for your honest heart.
And if nobody else says it to you today—let me: You’re allowed to not be okay sometimes. And you’re still deeply loved.
District Elder & Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr. is a seasoned IT Professional and spiritual leader who bridges technology and faith to drive innovation in schools, churches, and communities. With certifications in ITIL, Google Workspace, AI, and church administration, he empowers organizations to thrive through strategic tech integration and leadership.
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Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr.
District Elder & Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr. is a seasoned IT Professional and spiritual leader who bridges technology and faith to drive innovation in schools, churches, and communities. With certifications in ITIL, Google Workspace, AI, and church administration, he empowers organizations to thrive through strategic tech integration and leadership.
