The Art of Vulnerability

Vulnerability can be hard and often it is associated with shame. I don't know if that's just our culture, but we feel ashamed to be vulnerable. If we are vulnerable, we might feel like we are weak and therefore, less.

But vulnerability is a part of life and relationships, and I don't think it has to be or should be shameful. In fact, I think it is the opposite. It is the only real way we can forge deep relationships with people, because to be open, we must be vulnerable. It means exposing our fears and our hurts, our joys and our weaknesses. 

It's scary. What if we open ourselves to others and they laugh? What if they reject us? Well then, did you really want a relationship with that person anyway? 

Vulnerability comes more easily to some than others. Some of us are the type of people who will admits their fears and flaws to anyone. Some are not. And, of course, there are certain people who it is easier to be vulnerable with. When we start being vulnerable, we tend to lose all sense of pride. But this is what makes the best relationships. If we have friends who think we are perfect and will never fail, then they don't know us at all. Our spouses probably know our icky parts better than anyone, but hopefully they loves us best of all.

And of course, there's no use trying to maintain a sense of pride before God. Our best relationship with God will come when we are open with Him. He already knows all, but we should also tell Him. 

So let's try to open ourselves up to being vulnerable. It doesn't have to be with everyone, but start with a few people in your life who you feel your relationship would improve with if you were more open.