Deacon | Weak Thing Becomes Strong

Weak Thing Becomes Strong: The Deacon

Some of the strongest people in the Church don’t necessarily look like superheroes. Sometimes they’re 12 years old, wearing a white shirt and tie, carrying a hymnbook, trying to remember which row they’re supposed to sit on—and somehow finding the strength to lift a barbell that looks like it belongs in a professional powerlifting competition.

That’s the idea behind this The Deacon “Weak Things Become Strong” t-shirt from WeakThings.com.

Inspired by Ether 12:27, this design celebrates the remarkable transformation that can happen when young people put their faith in Jesus Christ and accept the responsibilities that come with serving in His Church. The image of a small, skinny deacon pressing an enormous barbell overhead is intentionally humorous—but the message underneath the humor is serious: God can take what seems weak and make it strong.

And according to the Doctrine and Covenants, being a deacon is no small assignment.

In Doctrine and Covenants 20, the Lord explains that deacons assist teachers in their responsibilities. Deacons and teachers are also called to “warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.”

That’s a pretty impressive job description for a 12-year-old.

A deacon may also have the sacred opportunity to pass the sacrament, serve members of the ward, fellowship with other young men, and assist the bishop with temporal responsibilities. Church resources emphasize that passing the sacrament is one of the deacon’s most sacred responsibilities and that deacons should approach that assignment as representatives of the Savior.

So yes, the deacon may be the kid who occasionally forgets where he left his shoes. He may still be growing into his dress shirt. His tie may be slightly crooked. And he probably isn't actually ready to clean-and-jerk 315 pounds.

But he is also a priesthood holder with a real calling to serve.

Doctrine and Covenants 84 describes deacons and teachers as those who are appointed to watch over the Church and stand as ministers. That means the strength represented by this shirt isn't really about how much weight a young man can lift. It's about learning to lift others.

It’s about showing up.

It’s about reverence when the sacrament is passed.

It’s about helping someone who needs a friend.

It’s about serving when nobody is watching.

And it’s about discovering that spiritual strength often begins with recognizing our weakness and turning to Christ.

The Deacon t-shirt brings all of that together with a little humor, a little gym culture, and a whole lot of priesthood pride. It’s a fun LDS youth shirt for deacons, fathers, grandparents, quorum leaders, and anyone who remembers that sometimes the smallest guy in the room can carry one of the biggest responsibilities.

Weak things become strong.

And sometimes the deacon is stronger than he looks. 💪

Shop the The Deacon design at WeakThings.com.

Product: Next Level Apparel N6210 Men's CVC Crew

Next Level Apparel N6210 Men's CVC Crew

• 4.3 oz.,

• 60% combed ringspun cotton/ 40% polyester jersey

• Colors have a slightly heathered look

• Pre-shrunk for reduced shrinkage

• CVC blend

• 1x1 baby rib-knit set-in collar

• Shoulder to shoulder taping

• Tear-away label

• Side seamed