My Journey to Embracing Vulnerability in Faith
Welcome to the first newsletter of the year! I wanted to start it off with a bang and dive right on in. This is a new season for me as I step out of the wilderness and into the promise. I have to admit there is such a vulnerability as I step out of what I have become accustomed to and into… hope. So, this year, is going to be all the lessons, the thoughts and questions I penned down and how God helped me discover, learn and sometimes… let certain questions go. But what stuck out for me this week… Vulnerability. What it means, how it can make me feel, and by talking about it can help someone else open up about their own.
In the tapestry of our spiritual journey, there often lies a thread of vulnerability—an aspect of faith that invites us to be real, honest, and open before God and others. It's a journey that I, like many others, have embarked upon, navigating the twists and turns of embracing vulnerability in the context of my faith.
The Fear of Exposing Imperfections:
For the longest time, I believed that showing vulnerability was a sign of weakness. I hesitated to share my struggles, doubts, and fears, fearing judgment from others and even questioning whether God could handle my imperfections. The façade of having it all together seemed like the safer path. However, life has a way of revealing our humanity. Cracks began to form in my carefully constructed facade, and it became evident that I couldn't navigate the complexities of life on my own. It was in these moments of brokenness that I realised vulnerability wasn't a weakness; rather, it was the bridge to deeper connection—both with God and with those around me.
Encountering God in Raw Honesty:
As I tentatively started to share my struggles with God in prayer, I discovered a God who not only accepted my vulnerability but embraced it. In the raw honesty of my prayers, I found a deeper connection with the Father—one that wasn't dependent on my ability to appear put together but was rooted in the authenticity of my heart. I don’t know about you, but even though I was very aware that God knew all of me, I still struggled to say things out loud. Sometimes, I bit my tongue and wouldn’t even ask for the help I so desperately needed.
The journey towards vulnerability also extended to my relationships within the faith community. Opening up to trusted friends and mentors allowed me to experience the transformative power of shared vulnerability. In exposing my wounds, I discovered that I was not alone—others had walked similar paths, and together we found strength in our shared weaknesses.
Through this journey, I encountered the healing power of shared stories. As I began to share my vulnerabilities through writing and conversations, I saw how God used my experiences to encourage and uplift others. In the midst of our brokenness, we found a common ground that transcended the need for perfection.
Embracing vulnerability in my faith has brought an unexpected freedom—a freedom from the shackles of trying to maintain an image of flawless piety. It's an acknowledgment that I am a work in progress, and God's grace is more than sufficient for my shortcomings.
My journey to embracing vulnerability in faith has been transformative. It's an ongoing process of learning to trust God with my whole self, imperfections and all. In vulnerability, I've found strength, connection, and a deeper understanding of the grace that permeates every aspect of my journey. May this journey inspire us all to lay bare our hearts before a God who sees us in our vulnerability and loves us still.
Love Sarah, xx.
*If this resonates with you or if you know someone who might find comfort in embracing vulnerability, share this post. Let's create a community of authenticity!