There is a perception out there that strength and toughness mean you don’t share your feelings or open up about what you really think. Overall, the culture of sports has operated with guys hesitant to admit weakness, inner emotions, struggles, and the truth about what they’ve experienced.

However, as athletes are given greater opportunities to share their thoughts and stories on social media and with the general media, they are becoming more transparent.

We are now hearing from plenty of players who admit the truth and allow themselves to be vulnerable in front of fans. There isn’t as much holding back and hiding behind the tough guy exterior.

In the past week, we’ve witnessed three players open up about the trials they’ve faced. Kevin Durant admitted to having a rock bottom moment when he decided to join Golden State, and revealed his disappointment in the OKC fans:

“Because I truly had invested everything I had into the people I played for…and for those people that I know and love and trust to turn their back on me after I was fully invested in them, it was just…more than I could take. I was upset.”

When featured in ESPN Magazine, running back Eddie Lacy was vulnerable about his battle with weight and the criticism he receives from people. He also willingly discussed what he went through when his family was forced to move following hurricane Katrina.

Kyrie Irving joined First Take on ESPN this week, and opened up about the whole situation with the Cavs and being traded to the Celtics. He confessed things not everyone would be willing to admit, but told people how he really felt.

As I look at how these three athletes put themselves out there when asked about difficulties and controversies, I wonder the difference it would make if we did the same in our own lives. Would we gain a sense of freedom by not hiding our weaknesses, mistakes, and true feelings?

If we stopped putting up a front and were no longer afraid of what people think, we could allow others to know how to care for us…and break down the walls for them to share with us.

The apostle Paul is a good example of someone who admitted weakness and was honest with his feelings. After explaining the hardships he and his partners endured while doing ministry, he said this in 2 Corinthians 6:11-13 (NLT):

“Oh, dear Corinthian friends! We have spoken honestly with you, and our hearts are open to you. There is no lack of love on our part, but you have withheld your love from us. I am asking you to respond as if you were my own children. Open your hearts to us!”

We can appreciate when athletes are willing to give in-depth interviews, but let’s also be encouraged that our own stories and vulnerability can impact others.

When we don’t hold back, but share our true feelings, it comes from a place rooted in the grace of Jesus. Today, let’s begin by telling the truth of what He’s done in our hearts…and how we’re trusting Him to heal the pain.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I ask that I find people to be open and vulnerable with, so that I don’t have to put up a front and pretend everything’s okay. I pray that as I admit my pain and weakness, I experience Your love and the love from others. Please help me live with an open heart. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.