So how does one decide to become vulnerable, take action towards becoming so and why would one want to anyway?
I believe that if we are truly going to be a light in a dark world then we must become vulnerable. We can no longer hide behind masks of sufficiency but rather stop masquerading and begin living honestly.
We choose to not be vulnerable because of shame. Shame breeds fear in us that causes us to cover up. But shame is a dark and lonely place to live and shame never led someone to a loving God. No, only freedom from shame does that.
Jesus was vulnerable. Took on flesh and lived in its limitations. The only time shame covered Him was when He laid down His life and took all of our shame up on Himself and conquered it. We don’t have to suffer in the dark with shame anymore.
But we have to choose to let it go, to give it to Him. To expose it to light for it to be consumed.
Vulnerability is scary. It’s hard for a person who has been ruled by shame to be vulnerable. But vulnerability happens when shame is overcome.
I so desperately want us all to walk in freedom from shame. To see the ugly way it works in our lives to entangle us and bind us out of reach of happiness and the pleasure God intended for us to have in abundant life.
To decide to become vulnerable is to decide to deal with shame. And once shame is overcome we must, must learn to take our thoughts captive to keep shame away.
It’s a journey. A process. But it’s worth it.
Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.” ― Brené Brown
The beginning of it all is being vulnerable with your Savior. How many times do we hide or stay away from meeting with Him because of our shame? We hold it until we can clean ourselves up but the reality is that we just need Him. We need to be able the let go of our shame and before Him and become vulnerable about our weaknesses. And oh, how He loves us even still.
Imagine, if you will, all of your shame – all of the ugly that you carry – as ashes. A heaping pile of ashes. Can anything beautiful come from that burnt up, used, mound of dust? Seemingly no, but God makes beauty from ashes. Give Him your ashes and see what He can make with them.
After you’re vulnerable with Him it will be so much easier to become vulnerable with others. It’s worth it. Joy is waiting for you.
