Strength

Strength. 

Our culture puts a lot of stock in strength. When an individual experiences tragedy they are counseled to remain strong. They are praised repeatedly for their strength. The mantra of those well meaning friends becomes, "I don't know how you do it?"

However, novelist Hermann Hesse feels differently about this, "Some of us think holding on makes us strong, but sometimes it is letting go." 

Even the Bible reminds us about strength and weakness. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Depending solely on ourselves and thinking we can do it all on our own may just be fighting a losing battle. 

When someone is going through hard times it is okay to let them know they have permission to be weak. It is okay to let go, and allow others to be strong. For those who put their trust in God, they know that he will see them through. 

Allowing someone to be weak might just be the kindest act of all during tragedy.