Vulnerability

“Vulnerability well received is like a hug with words.” 

The Holy Spirit spoke this to my heart a few weeks ago, and it could not be more true. In a world where we are physically distant from so many people, we crave authentic emotional connection. We need to be vulnerable with our thoughts, feelings, and words—and we need people around us who will receive that vulnerability and encourage it. It’s definitely not easy to be real and open with people. But when you share the unfiltered version of yourself with someone, and they receive it well, it is so so so comforting. 

I have a few friends that I know I can be vulnerable with. I talked to one of those friends for 2 hours yesterday, and it was so refreshing. It almost felt like I was talking to myself because we are so similar and we are able to be so vulnerable with each other. God moves and works in mysterious ways, even through a phone call!

I encourage you to find someone that you can be real and vulnerable and honest with, without fear of judgment. And if you don’t have someone like that, I’m here for you. I will listen and accept all of you—even the broken parts—and I will give you a hug with my words. I really mean that. 

Strive to make yourself someone that others can be vulnerable with, too. When someone shares something from their heart, thank them for it. Thank them for trusting you. Accept them in all seriousness, and don’t try to joke about it. Let them know that you love them for who they are, and that they can be their true self when they’re with you. 

We all need someone we can bless, and someone who can bless us. We all need someone to listen to, and someone who will listen to us. We all need someone to love, and someone who will love us. 

Imagine this: What would the world be like if everyone chose to receive vulnerability well? 

I believe that would be a taste of Heaven. Our world would be so much more real if we were able to be completely vulnerable with everyone. But we are broken people, and we will never be perfect. This side of Heaven, we’re never going to have our vulnerability received well 100% of the time. But there is one person who will always listen—and that’s Jesus. 

Jesus will aways receive your vulnerability well. You never have to worry about judgment from him. He will love you and accept you for who you are, exactly as you are. He will speak peace and comfort to your heart. He will hug you with his words and with his Spirit. Isn’t that incredible truth?!

God is absolutely amazing. He is moving in crazy ways in my life right now. He has revealed his presence and his power to me in ways I never could have expected. Even in the midst of a global pandemic, when everything in life seems so uncertain, God is still good. Life is still good. Today is good because God is here and wherever God is, there is goodness there, too. That is absolutely incredible. Our God is crazy cool!! 

Words cannot describe how blessed and how thankful I am right now. I can never do justice to God’s goodness with my words—but I will try. Yesterday, today, tomorrow, and forever, I will strive to put words to God’s life-changing power. I will allow his Spirit to shine through me and to inspire others. I will speak his truth and proclaim his goodness. 

Thank you, Jesus. Thank you for allowing me to be vulnerable with you. Thank you for giving me friends I know I can be vulnerable with. Thank you for teaching me how to receive vulnerability well. I will continue to be blown away by you, Jesus. I love you. Let your will be done. Amen.