The Lost Art of Vulnerability

Why do we pretend that everything is okay even when life circumstances have broken our hearts? When our friend offers a warm smile and tight embrace before asking politely, “How are you?” We offer a fake smile and assure them all is well before asking them the same question. We love this friend, yet we hesitate to open up. Our heart begins to beat fast and dully aches in our chests as we listen to their latest life updates and sip coffee together while the world keeps moving around us. They listened to us talk about our jobs, families, and plans for the weekend never realizing that we hadn't been honest with them.

Truth be told, they too, carried in invisible burdens that they tried to shake off like the fresh snow on their winter coat, before sitting down to fellowship. We mimic Job's friends, who didn’t understand how a holy man could go through the level of loss he suffered, nor did they care to get past their self-righteousness and dig deeper into the suffering. They didn’t stay in the ashes with him until the storm passed and the pieces were picked up by Almighty God.

We are no different when we hesitate to cry, grieve, and dig deeper into the hearts and lives of those who love. The lost art of vulnerability. May we be vulnerable people who are not afraid to ask the hard, uncomfortable, and deeply personal questions that bring heavy burdens to light in love. May we not be the person who suffers alone when those who love us would be there if only we admitted that we were struggling.

Love your people and allow them to love you back.

If you don't know this about me, I am a writer & author. I love to share my musings on life and I wrote a book. You can get your copy of my closed-door romance novel, Finding Love Again in Music City on Amazon or the Kindle store.