If you missed last week’s episode, you can check it out here.

As I was reading The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah, I unexpectedly saw myself in the main character of the novel. Elsa was a young girl who felt unloved by her family. Through a chain of events, she became pregnant and was disowned by her family. She was sent to live with the man who fathered her child, and she learned to be a farmer and work hard.

She worked for her worth. She shouldered massive responsibilities and found peace in doing so. As I turned every page, I became more and more aware of myself and the ways I also spent many years working to prove my worth.

At one point, after her husband abandoned the family, Elsa was unraveling. Although she lived with her in-laws and children, she felt truly alone. Her son was sick with dust pneumonia, and he needed to be seen by a doctor. She was laser focused on his need–as she shifted into soldier mode.

Something about the text I share in today’s episode became a mirror to understanding the necessary unraveling of vulnerability and how that links to worthiness.

When her father in law puts a hand on her shoulder. Whoa. Full stop. This is a picture of love and vulnerability. He says, are you ready for help?” 

I am inclined to soldier on and do things myself. In fact, I have been doing it for so long it is simply instinctive, but it is not always healthy. Strength is certainly healthy, but not at the expense of worthiness, vulnerability, and connection. 

It is a powerful image of the chaos we create when we have negotiated our worth and compromised the truth for what we believe is true.

Needing and accepting help does not illuminate a failure; it is the essence and ultimate purpose of community. We were created for connection.

Let’s keep our eyes open to see those soldiering on and act on opportunities to be a hand on the shoulder of those around us.