Katy Parker highlights the importance of humility and honesty in our lives, considering whether there could be a gift of vulnerability.
When I recently wrote a post about vulnerability, I felt deeply gratified, feeling God wanted me to research and write about it from the perspective of my Christian belief. I pondered about it, and thoughts came to my mind. What if God wants me to share the message about His offering through my words? What if He wants me to encourage others to be the light? What if our vulnerability is a gift from God to let others know they are not alone? What if God gave us His gift of vulnerability to create an emotionally safe place for all of us?
My mum used to say, “Everything happens for a reason” and I have witnessed this many times. Soon after sharing my post about vulnerability on my blog, I read James 4: 10 ‘Humble yourself before the Lord, and He will lift you up.’
I felt God wanted me to spread the message about how He honours our humility and honesty and guides us to use them to encourage others. Because what if the vulnerability we are often so afraid of is a gift from God?
God loves us so much that He is encouraging us to be vulnerable. He doesn’t want us to be someone else. He doesn’t require us to pretend to be something we are not; He asks us to come as we are.
Share the gift of vulnerability
God loves us even when we are at our lowest when we are feeling broken, overwhelmed, or weak. There and then, as we are. With our wounded flesh and a broken heart. And perhaps by opening up to others, we can manifest our love for them. We can show them that we trust them, and for some, it may encourage them to accept that it’s ok to be ourselves. A sign that it is ok not to be ok or to ask for help. Because how else can appropriate support be provided if we don’t reveal our true feelings? How do others know what is bothering us?
You don’t need to be vulnerable with everyone but choose people you can trust and feel safe with and start there. I didn’t know how my personal trainer would react when the pain restricted my movements whilst exercising, and I broke into tears. But at that moment, I felt so hopeless and weak that I couldn’t hide my emotions.
God’s gift of vulnerability to create emotional safety
God gave us the gift of vulnerability not to hide our imperfections but to be free. To throw away false expectations about how we are supposed to be and just be how He created us. And to reveal your true self to others is a gift to them too. Perhaps vulnerability is a gift that teaches us not to judge, shame, fix or amend others but to understand them and love them for who they really are. Just like God loves us.
So, don’t be afraid to be vulnerable as God wraps you with His love as with a protective blanket. He wants us to be the light. And He doesn’t want you to hide but rather shine your light and use it to light the lamps of others. Because what if God’s gift of vulnerability can help to create a world where no one needs to hide behind a mask of perfection, where people feel safe to express themselves? Just think about what a great gift this is! I am so grateful God, for your gift of vulnerability.
Katy Parker
Katy is a trauma-informed well-being writer who integrates mental health and faith into her words. Katy shares her journey of overcoming trauma on her Journeyofsmiley blog, where you can access her free e-book 7 Keys To Self-Healing, A Trauma Survivor's Guide.