On Vulnerability

One of the pieces that has come up for me over and over in these past few months, that I'm feeling to share this month is the concept of vulnerability. As humans, with big open loving hearts, we are vulnerable. In our culture we seem to have a fascination with strength, youth and impermeability. What I've been learning, more than anything else this summer, is that our true strength lives in our ability to be vulnerable, over and over. It was like a light bulb one day for me on Jesus's teaching of "turn the other cheek." Love is always loving. Vulnerability doesn't have to mean weakness in the typical definition. I'm learning that true vulnerability means being receptive, open and continuing to love in spite of the infinite hits we take to our hearts and minds. It means recognizing and honoring our tenderness, and taking care of ourselves when we need rest and quiet and sanctuary rather than just closing down, overdoing or filling the hole. Vulnerability allows a certain grace as a willingness to accept life for all of what it is and it is nothing to be ashamed of!