By Pastor Mark Moreno

Just Open Your Window

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

I was always taught that in order to be professional, you should refrain from oversharing and keep a firm boundary between yourself and your clients, students, etc. But here is a story about throwing that advice out the window!

In 2023, Ms. Laura Bennett, a high school teacher in California, decided to take a different approach to her teaching. Instead of just delivering lessons from textbooks, she chose to be an open book herself—sharing her personal struggles with anxiety and self-doubt with her students.

Her honesty created a safe space where students felt more comfortable expressing their own vulnerabilities. By openly discussing her challenges and how she coped, Ms. Bennett fostered a community of trust and empathy in her classroom.

This transparency not only helped students develop emotional resilience but also encouraged them to be more authentic and supportive of each other. Her story went viral on social media, inspiring educators worldwide to embrace vulnerability and authenticity as powerful tools for connection and growth.

In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, we read,

“So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong”
English Standard Version

Perhaps St. Paul is a bit like Ms. Bennett, because he shares his own struggles. I want to encourage you to share your struggles with trusted people, don’t take that burden on all by yourself. There are people who love you and care about you. God Himself loves and cares for you, and to Him, you are an open book!

I pray that you can also be there for others going through difficulties. It may not be easy, but it makes such a wonderful difference. Know that Jesus is with you in the midst of your life and He is there for others.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado