Finding Strength in Christ’s Vulnerability
I read a quote today on this first Sunday of Lent. And it caused me to pause and think about tender strength in Lent. Foster’s quote is simple, yet profound. Richard Foster is a name many in the Christian circle who study spiritual disciplines know. He said this ““May God give you the gift of tears. As you walk on this tired and sad earth, may you have the gift of weeping, of a soft heart.” I’ve mostly stayed off social media the past several weeks because it seems to me there aren’t very many “soft hearts” these days. And I just by the way God created me and how I’ve chosen to live, have a soft heart. And a heart that doesn’t dwell on the negative, but focuses on the positive. That trusts God in all situations and all seasons.
The season of Lent always invites me into an intentional season of reflection and repentance, and a deeper connection with Christ. Often, we associate strength with stoicism, particularly for us women. We’re told to “hold it together,” to be the pillars of our families and communities, to push through pain and exhaustion. But what if true strength, especially from a Christ-centered perspective, looks vastly different? What if it includes tears, vulnerability, and a tender heart?
Many women feel pressured to be strong in the face of adversity, suppressing emotions that are deemed “weak.” This pressure can stem from societal expectations, personal experiences, or even a misinterpretation of faith. We may believe that showing vulnerability equates to weakness, that crying signifies a lack of faith or control. However, Jesus himself, the epitome of strength, wept.
In John 11:35, we see the shortest verse in the Bible: “Jesus wept.” He wept for his friend Lazarus, demonstrating profound empathy and grief. This moment reminds us that emotional expression is not a sign of weakness, but a reflection of our shared humanity and the deep love we can feel. Jesus, the Son of God, allowed himself to be vulnerable, demonstrating that true strength lies in acknowledging and processing our emotions.
What would it look like in the season ahead to embrace the tender strength that comes from Christ. To weep with those who weep, to mourn with those who mourn, is to embody the empathetic heart of Jesus.
What Does Having an Empathetic, Caring Heart Mean?
- Being present: It means truly listening to others, acknowledging their pain, and offering comfort without judgment.
- Allowing yourself to feel: It means recognizing and processing your own emotions, allowing yourself to grieve, to feel joy, and to experience the full spectrum of human experience.
- Offering compassion: It means extending grace to yourself and others, understanding that everyone carries burdens and struggles.
- Reflecting Christ’s love: It means embodying the selfless love of Jesus, who poured out his heart for humanity.
I wonder if we could all create spaces where women feel safe to express their emotions, knowing that their vulnerability is not a weakness, but a reflection of their humanity and a testament to the love of Christ within them. One of the ways I do this is through my women’s bible study group. That group is a gift. Some of us have met together for more than 15 years and we have done a lot of weeping together!
As we journey through Lent, friends, let’s remember these words “tender strength in Lent.” Tender strength, true strength lies not in hiding our tears, but in allowing them to flow, knowing that Christ walks with us through every moment of joy and sorrow. Let’s seek the tender strength that reflects the compassionate heart of our Savior, who wept, loved, and ultimately, gave his life for us. And let’s remember Richard Foster’s words: “May God give you the gift of tears.”
