What do you do when leadership demands strength, but your heart breaks? David won the battle and regained his throne, but it cost him his son Absalom. Even though Absalom rebelled, David begged for his life. His cry—“O my son Absalom”—echoes deeper than any victory. In that cry, we see not just a king, but a father. Leadership didn’t shield him from sorrow; it exposed his humanity. Still, David returns—not in vengeance, but with humility. He does not rush to reclaim power with force. Instead, he waits, listens, and forgives. Psalm 131 shows his inner world: quieted, humbled, trusting God even when he doesn’t understand. Today, we often feel we must appear put together to lead. But God doesn’t require performance—He desires surrender. Like David, we can grieve and still lead. We can be broken and still be used. His mercy makes space for both.