Things break. Do you remember looking forward to a particular item only to have it break? Maybe it was an electronic device, a vase, a toy, or other item. We can get upset, disappointed, or disillusioned. And how much greater when the item that is broken is you?
Brokenness
As much as we dislike broken things, broken people are worse. Broken relationships, broken promises, broken dreams. These are the things that keep us awake at night. But it is in brokenness that we find healthy vulnerability. Healthy vulnerability lets us let go of the illusion of control and the masks of having it all together. We can be authentic before God and others.
I’ve been in those difficult places, and I bet you have also. In those times of brokenness we need persevering power. Consider the trailer to the book Persevering Power.
Healthy Vulnerability
Practicing healthy vulnerability involves a balance of openness and self-awareness. You discover you are not all that and it is okay to be authentic. Being authentic and giving up the need to be in control builds healthy relationships. You grow in empathy as you recognize you are not alone in your fears, anxiety, and concerns.
You grow in courage as you face your fears. Are you afraid of rejection, judgment, or something else? Recognizing these fears is the first step to overcoming them. And take small steps. Honestly, the way to a second date is not full vulnerability on the first date. Take time to build trust in authentic relationships. Learn to embrace your imperfections as a means of drawing you closer to others with imperfections. Why judge someone who is imperfect when you are imperfect? Instead, find places of commonality and build on those.
Christianity means vulnerability
True Christians embrace vulnerability. Not easily, but steadily. We believe we are a broken mess. We rebelled against God by wanting to be strong and in control. When we recognize how our pride hurts God, we surrender our will to his will. We become vulnerable and let him in. In doing so we discover love, peace, and joy.
Why? Because God became vulnerable first. The God of the universe entered our world as a vulnerable baby. In vulnerability, Jesus was tempted (Mt. 4:1-11), despised, rejected, full of sorrows and suffering (Isa. 53:3), and though innocent was willing to die for you and me.
I don’t like brokenness. I don’t want to be vulnerable. But Jesus invites me to embrace both. They are how he teaches me to trust him more and myself less. He invites me – and you – to “Come to me all who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Mt. 11:28-29.
Embrace Vulnerability
Vulnerability is a hard lesson for me. I’m still not a good student. But trust is built on authentic vulnerability. I appreciate people’s trust in me knowing I am broken and imperfect. I also know my life of sacrifice and humble service, authentically speaks to the work God has called me to do at Administer Justice.
Our mission is to “empower vulnerable neighbors with the help of a lawyer and hope of God’s love.” We recognize the shared vulnerability we have with our neighbors in need. Every week in more than 100 places across the country volunteers are invited to embrace their vulnerability to help a vulnerable neighbor. Volunteers come alive as they step outside their brokenness and imperfections and are used by God to bring hope to a neighbor.
And neighbors see the difference. “Every individual there was EXTREMELY generous, kind, friendly & helpful.” One person recently wrote. If you care about justice, I invite you to be part of a growing movement of God’s people doing justice with kindness and humility.
The path to persevering power requires vulnerability and will lead you to the loving service of others. Along the way, you will become more generous, kind, friendly, and helpful, just as our client said. Continue your journey by grabbing a copy of the book Persevering Power and going through it with a friend, spouse, family, or small group. In shared vulnerability, you will find persevering power.
