The Power of Being Powerless

Pushy.
Sensitive.
Stubborn.
Hiding.
Emotional.
Impatient.
Slow.
Rude.
Worrying.
Lazy.
Untalented.

Any of these sound familiar? Many a name has been thrown at me, many weaknesses brought into the light from their cowering corner.
And yet. Does it even matter?

I say it does.

I believe that many weaknesses are strengths in disguise. or more accurately, strengths in a premature stage. It might help to look at each of these words first:

Pushy. - you know what you want and aren't afraid to go for it.
Sensitive. - You empathise easily and connect with people on a personal level.
Stubborn. - You stand your ground and are immovable in your beliefs.
Hiding. - You know your place and don't dump your emotions on everyone else.
Emotional. - you have a big heart and love very deeply and purely.
Impatient. - you are eager and enthusiastic.
Slow. - you find importance in little things and don't let the world put you in a rush.
Rude. - you are willing to say the truth when no one else will.
Worrying. - you have an open heart and care deeply for others.
Lazy. - you are relaxed and not high-strung, you know how to have fun and enjoy life.
Untalented. - you are adaptable and light, you aren't defined by one thing.

It's a bit different looking at these words as compliments instead of insults. I believe that every negative 'characteristic' is simply a strength that hasn't grown up yet. We need Christ and His Atonement to help these weaknesses mature to their full potential.

2 Corinthians 12:9 - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

It is such a relief that it isn't completely our job- we are powerless. We cannot change these premature weaknesses into strengths without God's eternal love to nourish it. And we can only use this power if we are able to admit we are powerless. Very natural how that works- the more we realize we are powerless, the more power we are given.
With God on our side, we need not fear any name thrown our way, rather we will welcome them. They are gifts- helping us find our little strength seeds that just need a little love to grow.