Strongs!

Strength isn't always about how much you as an individual can handle before you break It is also about how much you can handle after you've broken (and the support you get).  We tend to place a lot of emphasis on having to be strong in all that we do and presenting a brave face no matter what.  People do so for a variety of reasons like pride, not wanting to show weakness, past experiences where they have been vulnerable and open and been hurt as a consequence.  All these factors result in people being very cautious to express their feelings when it comes to brokenness and unattended hurt.  Strength is built up slowly and is not a quick fix. It takes a lot of time and effort to grow our strength and resilience, to cope with the barrage of pain, hurt and disappointment.  Sometimes we may question why exactly we find ourselves in a particular situation and it is hard to express to others, where the real source of our pain sits.  We would be wise to remember the saying that "an arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward.  When life is dragging you back with difficulties it means, it's going to launch you into something great. So just focus and keep aiming". We need to maintain the right heart attitude towards the future and not get into a rut of handling everything ourselves until the point when we are already broken.  It is better to confront even difficult decisions and situations in our journey of life with a united front rather than waiting to see if we can recover from brokenness. Tough situations change the rules making us more aware of what we face and they open areas of forgiveness, letting go of burdens and help to bring people closer together.  Share the burden and grow in strength together and you will find that you need not end up as damaged goods.