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Let Me Be Weak: What People in Pain Wish They Could Tell You
INCLUDES FREE MUSIC DOWNLOAD: http://brittanybarbera.com/letmebewea...
What do we do when we are shattered by an unexpected loss and feel like no one understands what we are going through?
How do we comfort those we love when their hearts are breaking if we don’t know how to help?
How can we mourn with the bereaved, when we are so frightened by their pain that we want to run in the opposite direction?
In this honest and insightful book, Brittany Barbera teaches us what to do when we are confronted with painful situations that simultaneously demand a response and evoke internal resistance.
In a world where we are praised for being self-sufficient, we feel isolated and embarrassed when we find ourselves struggling. Uncertain and unsettled by the surge of emotions we work so hard to hide, we resist the work of healing because it is a messy and uncomfortable process. Additionally, our lack of empathy makes it difficult for people to be share their experiences with us, for fear of being judged or misunderstood. As a result, our relationships lack depth and we feel disconnected, especially during seasons of grief—and too often, our ‘help’ is poorly received among those that need it most.
Unlike the advice found in many self-help books, Barbera refuses to oversimplify the complex nature of pain or insult the bereaved with insensitive platitudes. Instead, she shares the wisdom and stories she’s collected from her own trials and artistic endeavors, as well as the observations she’s made watching the people she loves walk through the most devastating moments of their lives.
Let Me Be Weak: What People in Pain Wish They Could Tell You sheds light on the struggles people face during times of loss and teaches us how to respond appropriately, by:
-Honoring those courageous enough to admit their limitations and ask for what they need
-Giving ourselves permission to feel our feelings, even when they make us uncomfortable
-Increasing our capacity for compassion towards ourselves and others
-Listening without judgment or a hidden agenda
-Enduring silence when the answers don’t come
-Having faith that the whole world won’t fall apart, even if someone we love does
Follow the advice in this book and you will develop the courage to let down your guard and push past the discomfort, in order to become the kind of person others can trust with their pain.
We all need a friend whose words are honest and graceful, whose commitment to us is unwavering, even in our darkest hours. What’s stopping you from becoming that kind of friend?
Scroll to the top and click the “buy now” button.
What do we do when we are shattered by an unexpected loss and feel like no one understands what we are going through?
How do we comfort those we love when their hearts are breaking if we don’t know how to help?
How can we mourn with the bereaved, when we are so frightened by their pain that we want to run in the opposite direction?
In this honest and insightful book, Brittany Barbera teaches us what to do when we are confronted with painful situations that simultaneously demand a response and evoke internal resistance.
In a world where we are praised for being self-sufficient, we feel isolated and embarrassed when we find ourselves struggling. Uncertain and unsettled by the surge of emotions we work so hard to hide, we resist the work of healing because it is a messy and uncomfortable process. Additionally, our lack of empathy makes it difficult for people to be share their experiences with us, for fear of being judged or misunderstood. As a result, our relationships lack depth and we feel disconnected, especially during seasons of grief—and too often, our ‘help’ is poorly received among those that need it most.
Unlike the advice found in many self-help books, Barbera refuses to oversimplify the complex nature of pain or insult the bereaved with insensitive platitudes. Instead, she shares the wisdom and stories she’s collected from her own trials and artistic endeavors, as well as the observations she’s made watching the people she loves walk through the most devastating moments of their lives.
Let Me Be Weak: What People in Pain Wish They Could Tell You sheds light on the struggles people face during times of loss and teaches us how to respond appropriately, by:
-Honoring those courageous enough to admit their limitations and ask for what they need
-Giving ourselves permission to feel our feelings, even when they make us uncomfortable
-Increasing our capacity for compassion towards ourselves and others
-Listening without judgment or a hidden agenda
-Enduring silence when the answers don’t come
-Having faith that the whole world won’t fall apart, even if someone we love does
Follow the advice in this book and you will develop the courage to let down your guard and push past the discomfort, in order to become the kind of person others can trust with their pain.
We all need a friend whose words are honest and graceful, whose commitment to us is unwavering, even in our darkest hours. What’s stopping you from becoming that kind of friend?
Scroll to the top and click the “buy now” button.
- GenresNonfiction
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2015
14 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
Brittany Barbera
3 books16 followersBRITTANY BARBERA is a best-selling author, singer/songwriter, and ceramic artist who values the ministry of presence, the power of prayer, and the restorative gift of a good laugh. A therapist at heart but an artist by trade, she loves to sing songs, tell stories, and design beautiful collections to inspire hope and cultivate compassionate connections.
A multi-passionate artist, she is the owner of Barberacotta Pottery and has released music singles such as Yet I Will Praise (2011) and Let Me Be Weak (2016). Known for her emotive vocals and honest lyrics, she released her debut EP, The Sparrow, in 2013, followed by ShadowDays in 2017. Her latest musical compilation, Comfort & Joy (2023), serves as a companion soundtrack to this book.
Brittany grew up in "Christmas City, USA" and now resides in Nashville, where she enjoys relaxing in her hammock, listening to podcasts, and walking around her neighborhood. Connect with her on Instagram at @brittany_barbera.
A multi-passionate artist, she is the owner of Barberacotta Pottery and has released music singles such as Yet I Will Praise (2011) and Let Me Be Weak (2016). Known for her emotive vocals and honest lyrics, she released her debut EP, The Sparrow, in 2013, followed by ShadowDays in 2017. Her latest musical compilation, Comfort & Joy (2023), serves as a companion soundtrack to this book.
Brittany grew up in "Christmas City, USA" and now resides in Nashville, where she enjoys relaxing in her hammock, listening to podcasts, and walking around her neighborhood. Connect with her on Instagram at @brittany_barbera.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 10, 2016
Insightful, Compelling, Eye Opening, Informative & Soothing! A Deeply Thoughtful Must Read! I Loved It!
December 18, 2015
Superb all church leaders pastors, elders should be MADE to read
I have only read two chapters so far and I am doing something I've never done before and writing a review now in the hope that anyone who might be grieving and getting that blank "please don't be real, change the conversation stares" you get when you dare to remove your mask might pick this superb book up. In this author there is someone who understands!. I went to my church last week and despite it being obvious to anyone, that I was upset I haven't had one call or text from anyone who was there to see how I'm doing! I actually wrote in my journal "I feel so invisible" (This is my first Christmas without my mum who died in February) And so this book is like a breath of fresh air. Thank you for understanding that grief has no time scale. That a good day can suddenly erupt with a memory triggered for no apparent reason. I am going to copy some salient paragraphs and suggest my Pastor read this. For those of us who are grieving or struggling PLEASE as Brittany says don't lecture us with bible verses but rather pay us the respect of doing as Jesus so often did, and simply listen and allow us to tell our story, thanks. Does that mean I don't think the bible is important?- in no way- had I not had the word, the psalms in particular to dwell in this past year I know I would have sunk beneath the storm waves its just that sometimes it's not your word, or selected bible verses, but your ear and your listening heart that folk who are grieving need most. Let me tell you my most treasured friend this past year is someone who has looked me in the eye when my tears have fallen and has allowed her own tears to fall too and who with her silent hugs has given me more support than many others. Church beware of not allowing your community to take off their masks and be real.
I have only read two chapters so far and I am doing something I've never done before and writing a review now in the hope that anyone who might be grieving and getting that blank "please don't be real, change the conversation stares" you get when you dare to remove your mask might pick this superb book up. In this author there is someone who understands!. I went to my church last week and despite it being obvious to anyone, that I was upset I haven't had one call or text from anyone who was there to see how I'm doing! I actually wrote in my journal "I feel so invisible" (This is my first Christmas without my mum who died in February) And so this book is like a breath of fresh air. Thank you for understanding that grief has no time scale. That a good day can suddenly erupt with a memory triggered for no apparent reason. I am going to copy some salient paragraphs and suggest my Pastor read this. For those of us who are grieving or struggling PLEASE as Brittany says don't lecture us with bible verses but rather pay us the respect of doing as Jesus so often did, and simply listen and allow us to tell our story, thanks. Does that mean I don't think the bible is important?- in no way- had I not had the word, the psalms in particular to dwell in this past year I know I would have sunk beneath the storm waves its just that sometimes it's not your word, or selected bible verses, but your ear and your listening heart that folk who are grieving need most. Let me tell you my most treasured friend this past year is someone who has looked me in the eye when my tears have fallen and has allowed her own tears to fall too and who with her silent hugs has given me more support than many others. Church beware of not allowing your community to take off their masks and be real.
December 31, 2015
Brittany Barbera's book, Let Me Be Weak is an excellent book we all need to read. She teaches us that we don't have to be strong, or tough and how to be empathetic. Too often we don't know what to say and end up saying the totally wrong thing or nothing at all when someone we know or love is in need or grieving. They need for us to be there for them and listen. She teaches us that we aren't expected to tell them what to do. It's OK to be weak. We have all been there. We have all needed to know we are not alone and it is ok to ask for and receive help, even if it is just having someone who will simply listen.
She teaches us that if we tell someone we are there for them, we really need to be. We can't say it and then disappear for long periods of time and then come back, expecting them to open up. Listen and be there for them and they will open up to you and that is what they need. They don't need cliches and platitudes or instructions on what they need to do to heal. We need to fix ourselves and in the process we can help others who need to heal. All our lives would be so much better if we just followed the authors excellent and empathetic advice.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. I think I need to read it again. It is a very well written book and worth the time and effort to read. Take it all in and take it to heart. You have to get this book and just listen. You will be better for it.
She teaches us that if we tell someone we are there for them, we really need to be. We can't say it and then disappear for long periods of time and then come back, expecting them to open up. Listen and be there for them and they will open up to you and that is what they need. They don't need cliches and platitudes or instructions on what they need to do to heal. We need to fix ourselves and in the process we can help others who need to heal. All our lives would be so much better if we just followed the authors excellent and empathetic advice.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. I think I need to read it again. It is a very well written book and worth the time and effort to read. Take it all in and take it to heart. You have to get this book and just listen. You will be better for it.
July 13, 2016
It's a good book. I find it crucial for everybody. It contains some basics that everybody should know.
I give 3/5 because sometimes it gets too christian. Since I'm not a christian, I'm not interested in those parts.
Overall it's good.
I give 3/5 because sometimes it gets too christian. Since I'm not a christian, I'm not interested in those parts.
Overall it's good.
August 29, 2016
I recommend this book if you have a loved one who is going through grief, post traumatic stress or just having a hard time. It is hard to know what to say, and whether to say anything and sometimes it feels like doing nothing is the right choice. This book can guide you on what not to say and do and what is helpful to the bereaved or stressed person. I especially like the comparison of empathy to kale (of all things!), and also associating emotions with music (the author is also a musician). I liked some of the personal stories and would have liked to hear more of them, as well as a few more pointers about what to actually say and do if you want to help. Overall a very helpful book.
March 19, 2016
Thoughtful and practical
If you are experiencing any kind of loss in your life, you need this book to guide you through the pain. Barbara uses everyday examples anyone can understand to explain the why of the pain you feel and the practical, simple ways to work through your own pain or to help another with their pain. Very well written.
If you are experiencing any kind of loss in your life, you need this book to guide you through the pain. Barbara uses everyday examples anyone can understand to explain the why of the pain you feel and the practical, simple ways to work through your own pain or to help another with their pain. Very well written.
December 20, 2015
I have always wondered about the impact of high social expectations on individual's lives and how they can make you feel inadequate and unable to cope. Well Brittany delves deeply into this area and provides some valuable insights. Well worth the read just to re-evaluate.
December 24, 2021
I really loved the premise of the book and want to have all my loved ones read it so that they can better understand how to support me. Not five stars because I didn’t expect or appreciate the christian evangelizing. It wasn’t enough to ruin the book but was a big turnoff.
August 27, 2016
Nothing in the description suggests a religious tone, but this is a book written for and by a christian, which I am not. I was expecting something very different; I was very disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews