I stood near the stairs of the school hall where my church meets each Sunday. The boys were playing nearby along the banister. I felt at peace although slightly disappointed to be missing the pre-service prayer meeting. A gentle voice whispered to my heart:
You are not as afraid of vulnerability as much as you think you are.
I smiled. Jesus. He hit the nail right on the head. I couldn’t argue him. For a long time now, I have thought vulnerability was scary or something I avoided. Truth be told, vulnerability has led me to healing and wholeness. I’m not that afraid to be vulnerable. How could I be, especially when I share this deep heart journey I’m on with the Internet, secretly hoping for a massive audience. Yip. Not that afraid of vulnerability.
One of the definitions of vulnerability is the state of being vulnerable or exposed.
I am more afraid of rejection than I am of vulnerability. I am finding that the way to move towards joy is to face pain, hurts, and brokenness. Vulnerability allows for each of us to experience life to the full. Without it we become numb, burying intense emotions deep down while sitting on top of the lid hoping it won’t come out. We are scared of what will happen if our stuff came out for those around us to see. Our imaginations go into overdrive as we think of what might happen. We want to be liked, accepted and loved. Will we still get that if we are vulnerable?
For more on vulnerability listen to this amazing teaching by Brene Brown:
I love what David said to the Lord in Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.
David was vulnerable before God and became regarded as a man after God’s own heart. Wow. Vulnerability is the foundation for trusting God. God, I trust you with my brokenness, my disappointment, my stuff. I trust you with my heart. I trust you to protect me and heal me. It’s easy to be vulnerable with God when we know that he won’t reject us but embrace us.
In our relationships, vulnerability helps us to be authentic, to be relevant and relate to those around us. We extend deep trust to our significant others as we trust them with our heart. Sadly, not everyone in our lives is safe. Being vulnerable needs wisdom to know who we can be safe with. In a place of safety, whether before God, your spouse or a trusted friend, we can experience those deep places of emotions, insecurities, wounds, and brokenness. As we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, Holy Spirit comes with his healing balm and the oil of gladness.
Oh, how he loves to heal us and make us whole. Jesus takes us as we are. He sees our worth. He sees our beauty. In the midst of our vulnerability he says: Still, I have chosen you and call you by name.Vulnerability before God ushers us into a love encounter with him. We encounter his truth and love. We exchange our filthy rags for robes of righteousness; our weighty burdens for his easy and light one; our sorrow for his joy.
Sometimes the hardest people to truly be vulnerable with is ourselves. We tend to hide from pain by seeking escape, be it in the form of a book, TV, work, etc.I’m guilty of doing this too. I want to escape from life, at times, because life can be hard and painful or I just lack the strength to grow more (It’s hard work). Oh, but the rewards of vulnerability in a safe place leads to great growth, empowerment, and healthy boundaries.
I think that Jesus loves it when we are vulnerable with him. He loves to take what we have and give him to use for his glory. We learn to lean into His strength and grace. We experience the truth that we are not alone or abandoned. He carries us through. He protects us. He comforts us. He shows us that we have no reason to feel shame or guilt. His love pushes back fear while he allows our boundary lines to fall in pleasant places (Psalm 16:6).
Vulnerability is scary for all of us. The rewards lead to a life well lived. In as much as we allow ourselves to experience those scary emotions, we are able to experience joy, love, and hope. We get to live a powerful life.
Resources to help you become courageous and brave in vulnerability:
Disclaimer: This post has affiliate links which means that I get a small commission (at no extra charge) when you purchase my recommended products. All products recommended are those I believe wholeheartedly will help you live in the freedom God has for you as well as deepen your relationship with Him.
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Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead By Brene Brown |
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Rising Strong By Brené Brown |
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