Vulnerability

The word vulnerable has been at the front of my thoughts throughout this past weekend. In life and in leadership it can be difficult to be transparent, open, and vulnerable. Mostly, this is due to the definition that the world has assigned the word. The average definition for vulnerable is susceptible to being hurt, wounded, or destroyed.  In addition to the less than stellar definition, some of the synonyms of vulnerable are defenseless, unsafe, and unprotected.  These synonyms and definitions make vulnerability seem to be a weakness or something to be avoided at all costs.  As such, people are not very open to the idea of making themselves vulnerable to those around them.

Another reason that vulnerability is difficult is it requires firm trust of those with whom you share your life and experiences. Being vulnerable means being real. It means sharing the joys of life alongside the failings and burdens.  It means sharing experiences, choices, and decisions and being open to others opinions, regards, and conjectures about them. Vulnerability is baring yourself, your heart, your dreams, your hopes, and much more to those around you. 

Being vulnerable, though is not a weakness or something to be pitied for as the definitions or synonyms would have you believe. Rather, in being vulnerable, strength is found. In truly being open, transparent, and vulnerable with those around you and those with whom you do life, there a strength beyond what can be found in one individual. It is a collective strength. A strength that when life deals burdens, pain, trials, or sorrow, that there are people standing with you, fighting with you, praying with you, pressing forward with you. A strength that when life provides joys and triumphs, that there are people celebrating with you and praising God for the victory with you.

So be brave. Be real. Be courageous. There is no need to keep the walls up and your heart closed off. People care. You are not a burden - your situations are not a burden. You are not meant to do life alone. So open up and be vulnerable with your people.