Seven years ago today, I had the most difficult speaking engagement I’ve had to date...my mother’s eulogy. I stood in front of family and friends (and strangers), my heart shattered, my mind clouded, and my words escaping me--- Even though I had a 4 page manuscript in front of me. But somehow, by God’s grace, I found the strength to honor her life while navigating my own grief, and all the weight that comes with being the first born. I also was carrying the all the erasure that comes with being the "strong one". I didn’t think I could do it. I wanted to stay seated, to let someone else take over. But in that moment, I learned something profound: I am only capable of doing hard things because God is with me. And so are you.
Loss has a way of shaking us to the core. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a relationship, or even a season of life, the weight can feel unbearable. The world keeps spinning, but for you, time stands still. And yet, even in those moments, God is there, steadying us when we can’t steady ourselves. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). Others may applaud you for "how well" you handle things, but it's all God!
Are you weak enough to show up?
Here’s the truth: Sometimes the greatest strength is in being weak enough to show up. I know that sounds backward, but stay with me. When I stood to deliver my mother’s eulogy, I didn’t feel strong. I didn’t feel capable. But in that raw, vulnerable state, I tapped into something deeper than my own strength—I found His. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Standing at that podium, I wasn’t relying on my own public speaking skills or uncanny ability to compartmentalize in order to hold it together. I was relying on God’s promise to be my strength when I had none left. And He came through. Every word I spoke felt like a partnership, me taking the step, Him guiding my feet.
Showing up in weakness is an act of trust. It says, “God, I don’t have it, but I KNOW for sure You do.” In fact, I told the people at the funeral that I was holding on by "bubble gum and paper clips". In that moment, it was not about having it all together; it was about bringing my broken pieces to Him and letting Him cook. For all the "strong ones" reading this, weakness isn’t the enemy; it’s the door through which God's strength enters.
You are well able
I want to remind you of this: You are well able to do hard things. The same God who carried me through my mother’s eulogy is walking with you in whatever hard thing you’re facing today. He doesn’t abandon us in the valley; He equips us. He strengthens us in ways we can’t see until we look back and realize, Wow, I really made it through that.
It’s easy to look at someone else’s journey and think, I could never do that. But you could, and more than likely you already have. Philippians 4:13 doesn’t say, “I can do easy things through Christ.” It says, “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.” That includes the heartbreak, dark valleys, seasons of transition, grief, loneliness and even the moments when you feel like you can’t take another step.
Walking Through, Not Around
King David said in Psalm 23 that although he walks THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death, he doesn't fear because God is with him. Grief and hard moments are not things we can sidestep or skip over. The only way out is through. But here’s the good news: Just as the Psalmist declared, you don’t have to walk through it alone. This fact is affirmed as God promises in Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” That’s not just a feel-good verse that could tear a church up, (though it can and does for me EVERYTIME) it’s a lifeline. Call on it, Walk in it, Lean on it!
Encouragement for Your Journey
If you’re facing something hard today, whether it’s loss, fear, or uncertainty in your life, relationship or even finances, know this: You are stronger than you think. And your strength doesn’t have to come from you. It comes from the One who made you, the One who loves you, and the One who is walking beside you every step of the way.
Take the next step, even if it feels small. Show up, even if you feel shaky. You are well able to do this hard thing, not because you’re superhuman, but because God is super faithful.
Let Us Pray
Lord, thank You for being our strength when we feel weak and our comfort when times are tough. Remind us that we are never alone, even in the hardest moments. Help us to trust You, to lean on Your promises, and to find courage to face each day. Thank You for equipping us to do hard things, not by our own power, but through Yours.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Feel free to leave a comment if this has resonated with you in any way!!
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