Why I Vote for Vulnerability

Vulnerability is a funny thing.

Last week I created a little process video for my Instagram page. I planned to paint an open hand and talk about the importance of vulnerability. I planned the post to be about being “open” with our struggles and the importance of vulnerability in relationships. After I painted said hand and I didn’t like it, though. I even thought about posting something else instead.

But I realized, that’s humorously hypocritical of me 😂.

So, here is the hand painting. My insecurity told me to hide it because it doesn’t represents my best skills as an artist. The thing is, though, in order to stay authentic, I need to accept that I don’t like everything not everything I make. But being vulnerable that not everything I make is perfect is honest.

As my former pastor of the now Life Church in Leominster says, “Don’t hear what I’m not saying.” As an artist and believer, I am dedicated to making beautiful quality work just like my Father. I also know this needs to be balanced by the truth that not everything I make can be at the level I want.

But here’s the thing: the imperfect things serve their purpose too. Each step of our journeys do this. We can’t get to the top of the mountain without getting sweaty in the process. The whole point of vulnerability is that we are more open with others in order to actually reach the top. We can’t make it alone and stay whole. No one is perfectly capable by his or herself. Not one person has everything all together all the time. It doesn’t work that way.

You and I? We’re human.

Being honest about our struggles connects us in ways showing off our perfection never can do. So take the risk and be vulnerable, friend. Sure, pride takes a hit, but when has pride steered you into a deep meaningful relationship with another? Pretty much never I’d guess.

Here’s to being more vulnerable and having deeper relationships because of it!

I’ll leave you with one of my most and least favorite verses in scripture, I bet you can tell why!

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

PS If this encouraged you in any way, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!