By Mike Vandermause

Sadly, I used to believe that showing emotion was a sure sign of weakness.

Staying cool, calm and collected was a badge of honor. Keeping a stiff upper lip was imperative. You could never let anyone see you sweat. 

I once believed that if I had struggles, I kept them to myself. Problems were solved on my own, behind closed doors, without anyone knowing.

In this mixed up world, I firmly believed that big boys didn't cry. Sadness, sorrow or insecurity could never be shared with anyone.

Remember the old Simon and Garfunkel song “I Am A Rock?” One of the lines went like this and described me quite well: "I've built walls, a fortress deep and mighty that none may penetrate."

The lies I believed and the messed up strategies I employed could take years to unpack, but I’m working on it.

It has taken me time to get to this realization, but I now believe that showing emotion is a sign of strength, not weakness. Making myself vulnerable is one of the keys to growth. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but I’m making progress.

I am grateful for Rick Warren’s reminder in Day 8 that God has emotions and feels things very deeply. If it’s good enough for the creator of the universe to show emotion, then surely it’s time for me to do the same.

So where does that fear of letting my guard down come from? It’s possible my desire to appear put-together is tied to feelings of significance.

If so, I must look to Ephesians 1:5, which says God already gives me status as one of his children through Jesus. The first purpose of my life is to bring enjoyment to God, which confirms my worth. There is no greater significance than God inviting me to spend eternity with him.

Mike Vandermause is communications director at Green Bay Community Church