“Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ...For when I am weak, then I am strong” (II Corinthians 12:9-10).

Let me tell you a very personal story. As a kid I was bullied a lot by older siblings and teased to tears almost daily by adults who somehow saw something humorous about intimidating a small child. In elementary school, I stayed to myself and avoided conflicts at all costs with the big eighth graders in that little four room schoolhouse. This flee to safety continued for several years.

Then one day, I put away childish ways, found a better identity, developed self-confidence, and decided to take on the world. For years I championed causes, stood strong for the powerless, and worked my way through denominational politics…