Strength in Numbers

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Pulling up to church Friday I was clueless of what was in store for the night. I thought I was simply volunteering for our Reflect event, an evening for ladies of all demographics to gather with a common purpose of worship, connecting, and reflecting. Bracing myself for the normal hustle and bustle of volunteering I walked in, not knowing the blessing on the other side of the door.

I entered the building to find every detail beautifully executed in white. From the Reflect t-shirts and hats worn by volunteers, to the high top tables that encouraged connection through conversation. But what I loved most was the enchanted forest view in the photo area. The whole place just felt like God was there and change was in the atmosphere.

After worshipping together, Holly, our first lady, started with a demonstration. She began to pull hats, makeup, tanning lotion, Spanx and more from a cute box. All items women use to cover up imperfections.

She moved into her message “The Cost of Cover Up.” The title caught my attention, especially since I didn’t think I was covering anything up. But I began to ask myself “What am I really covering up, and what is it costing me?”

As I was racking my brain to answer those questions, a text message came through. It was a close girlfriend experiencing Reflect at another campus.

There it was. The confirmation I needed. I had goose bumps all over me. It was the answer to part of the question.

She reminded me of a deep conversation we had a few days earlier. She straight checked me about essentially lying to her. And I know I was guilty of it. I had been going through stuff but didn’t think she would understand. So instead of including her, I left her out. Not sharing with her the matters of my heart even though I consider her a sister.

I realized in that very moment I was covering up my vulnerability. And Holly was right; my cover up has a high cost and it’s not worth it.

My vulnerability has the potential of costing me some pretty important relationships! Why should I feel lonely in a room full of my closest loved ones? All because I pick and choose what I share. Why continue to be selfish, loving and caring for others but not allowing them to do the same for me?

As the event came to an end, the importance of no longer covering up became even more relevant. Remember that enchanted forest I told you about earlier? It was actually a view of redwood trees with the sun shining through. These beautiful trees grow as high as 350 ft. but their roots are no deeper than six ft.

So how can something so magnificent stand on shallow roots? It can’t! They could never grow to their great heights if it weren’t for each other. The key is redwoods grow close together allowing their roots to intertwine. Holding each other up, supporting one another.

This same principle should apply in all of our lives. The illustration reminded me there is strength in numbers. I wasn’t made to do life alone. I should allow my trusted circle of people to intertwine their roots with mine. That way we can hold one another up with support in all aspects of life whether good or bad. How can I grow to all God wants me to be if I do it by myself?

I can’t and neither can you!