I am weak, but He is strong
It was my first day of kindergarten in a new school and I led my class to sing. Who knew that at the age of five I would one day lead worship in a small church in rural South Carolina? There are still many days when I feel like my five-year-old self, awkward, shy, and fearful. But I’ve learned over and over again this one truth: I am weak, but He is strong.
I Didn’t Love Myself
If you know me today, you may not believe me when I say I was a painfully insecure little girl. I longed for the approval and affection of those in authority over me. At a young age, I learned that my best efforts were not enough. I didn’t expect to find such love and approval that day as I stood beside my new teacher.
Mrs. Marabel asked me questions, but I remained whisper-quiet for fear the whole class would make fun of my gap-toothed smile. So, she asked me to sing my favorite song.
“Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so
Anna Bartlett Warner/ Hosanna Kids Songs
little ones to him belong, they are weak, but He is strong.”
Jesus gave me Mrs. Marable’s arm to comfort me. As I stood there wondering if anyone in my new class would like me or want to be my friend. Jesus helped me to stand without my knees giving way. I was weak, but He was strong.
My teacher said that if I started the song, the rest of the class would join in. They did! Afterward, she told me where I should go and sit with my new friends, and no one made fun of me that day.
I might have smiled a little broadly with my awkward teeth. One thing is for sure, I felt loved, comforted, and stronger.
Sing a little louder.
Jesus helps us in our weakness and He gives strength to the weak (Isaiah 40:29-31). Even today, when I feel like giving up, He gently reminds me that He loves me just the way I am. He sends the smile of a friend or the comforting embrace of a loved one to show me just how much He loves me.
As a leader and speaker today in my local church there are times I fall into the old patterns of insecurity. Fear of being made fun of or teased over some aspect of my appearance will sneak in and I will want to run and hide. When this happens, I sing a little louder and focus on His love for me.
I’ve been told that my singing voice is too loud. I do. This causes me to smile a very big smile and live in the confidence that I am fully loved.