We live in a world where maintaining an image has become more relevant than remaining authentic. How many fake worlds would crumble if all the silent witnesses surrounding us started talking? Everywhere, we are surrounded by different inanimate objects, witnessing every flaw, failure, insecurity, and weakness we have. Imagine if they could speak. I am sure they would have many fascinating tales to talk about. If this were not a hypothetical situation, would you let them talk? Would you be ashamed or proud of what they would have to say about you?
Nowadays, with all the social media frenzy, people have become very resourceful in creating fake facades and manipulating reality just to fit in or be accepted. Instead of presenting the truth, they keep immersing themselves in the mainstream game by showing perfect lives that do not exist. Just open any of your social media accounts to see how perfect the lives of your friends look. It seems like no one has flaws or weaknesses; everyone is capable. Only a few remain real and are not ashamed of showing their true self. Why is it so hard to present yourself like you are? Why is it a problem to show your vulnerability to others?
A few years ago, I learned that the only approval I must seek is God's approval, and my value or the value of my work should not depend on others. No one should have that power over you. If you are seeking everyone's approval by creating a false facade, you need to start seeing yourself as God sees you, and you need to start embracing your weaknesses. It may be shameful to admit our shortcomings to others, but with God, it is different. He is always willing to help us. He is always keen to strengthen and help us overcome our weaknesses and insecurities. The only approval we need is God's approval. I learned to see myself through God’s eyes. I am the apple of His eye, valuable and worthy of Him. He sees me completed, redeemed. In Him, I am strong.
The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 12:9: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ's power may rest on me." Why does Paul tell us to embrace our weaknesses? Because God's power becomes most evident in these areas where we are the weakest. We need to allow God to be our strength in those areas in which we are frail. We need to trust Him because when we are with Him, what seemed impossible becomes possible, and our weaknesses become our strengths. This week, I invite you to start showing yourself as you are and lay all your weaknesses and insecurities in God's hands because He is the only one who can give you the strength to overcome them.
