Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. -Brene Brown
I love these words by Brene Brown. I’m convinced true vulnerability is the path to wellness, wholeness, and peace. It requires great courage and confidence in your identity and purpose.
After serving in churches for two decades, being trained in biblical interpretation and theology, and doing my best to follow Christ, I have discovered that Christ provides one of the greatest examples of vulnerability.
Jesus was beaten, bruised, broken, bloodied, whipped, accused, mocked, slapped, spit on, and nailed to a cross. There he remained arms wide open, naked, humbled, and vulnerable on the cross. On one side of him, a person rejects him. On the other side, a person accepts him. He did not force either into their choice. He focused on his purpose and identity. That was enough.
Jesus didn’t require others to choose his love to find his worth. Even in the midst of rejection, he still knew who he was and his purpose. In that knowing, he opened himself to rejection, but remained confident in his identity enough to not be swayed by the ones who would reject him.
A picture of vulnerability. A picture of strength and wellness.
There are many other champions of vulnerability. I use Jesus because it speaks to me. Who else comes to your mind?
So…Are you able to be rejected and still remain confident in who you are? In your purpose?
Perhaps discovering the answers to those things will enable you to be at peace, not relying on the approval and love of others to know you are good enough and lovable just the way you are. Be vulnerable and see where it leads you.