Do It Anyway

Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable.  Be honest and transparent anyway.

–Mother Teresa

Being vulnerable is an area I have struggled with.  Before I continue, I want to share a definition of vulnerability I heard from Brene Brown which captures beautifully the essence of the word for the context of our conversation. In an article in Forbes, Brene says “vulnerability is basically uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure.”   For me, I know my fear of rejection kept me from displaying such emotional honesty.   If I were to show you who I really am, would you still love me?  If I told you how I really feel, would you think I am too much? If I let you see my weakness, would you reject me? Those questions always crossed my mind and the fear of the answer hindered me from being truly honest and transparent.  Years ago, when I was in college, I remember sharing my heart with a close friend and feeling the sting of rejection in response to my honesty.  In that moment, unknowingly, I decided I never wanted to feel that way again.  This does not mean I never felt pain but I tried my best to protect myself. In the long run, this was only to my detriment. 

Last year, God began speaking to me about walking in a greater level of vulnerability.  I started to pray and ask Him to help me.  I knew I needed God to heal my heart from the wounds from the past. During this time, one instance comes to mind where I found myself in a situation that opened old wounds.  It caused me to change my behavior towards a specific person but I did not understand why.  I asked God what was happening and He showed me. After praying through it and allowing God to heal my heart, I went to the person.  I told them why my attitude towards them shifted.  At first, I was extremely nervous, but I knew I had to do it. In those moments, I felt like a weight lifted from my chest. I felt a sense of freedom in being vulnerable. It was not nearly as bad as I had imagined. In the past, it would have been easier to lie and say nothing was wrong if asked to tell the truth. The fear was real.

We live in a world that longs for authenticity.  To operate this way requires honesty and transparency.  Along this journey, I have learned, when you are vulnerable it gives others courage to do the same.  There is a Pastor I have listened to for years who does this very well.  His name is Craig Groeschel.  In his teachings, he often share areas where he has struggled or situations where he did not look so favorable.  I have always appreciated that about him. I found it refreshing when he spoke in this way because it was a reminder that we all have areas of weakness and blind-spots. The beauty is, we can run to God with our weakness; He will always receive us and give us His strength.  Through this process, I felt like God was holding my hand along the way and I felt supported. (He still is holding my hand!) God gives me the courage and boldness to be transparent.  I am so grateful I don’t have to do this in my own strength!

It is my hope in sharing this with you, you will feel empowered to be vulnerable too! Start the journey with God. I promise you won’t regret it.

Heavenly Father,

 Give us the courage to be honest with ourselves, others, and You.  Remove any fear that would hinder us from being vulnerable.  Heal our hearts where we have been hurt.  Thank you that you are with us the entire time.  Thank you that you will not leave us or forsake us. Thank you that in our weakness, we are made strong in you.  Teach us how to walk in your strength.

 In Jesus’ Name.

Amen

Scripture References:

An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. -Proverbs 24:26

Do to others as you would have them do to you. -Luke 6: 31

Article Referenced:

Brene Brown: How Vulnerability Can Make Our Lives Better