I don’t know about you, but when I first read this chapter, I thought to myself, “These two words do NOT go together…..vulnerability and strength!” At least you don’t usually see them used in the same sentence. When one thinks of being vulnerable, the words “at risk” or “unprotected” come to mind, don’t they? Perhaps even “weak” or “needy.” Yet, as the author points out in this chapter, “God bids us come into the vulnerable place his Son occupied…” and “God offers us a special kind of strength, one that is rooted and grounded in a reality that transcends ourselves.” (p. 105)
In our society today, successful women are often portrayed as super-everything (i.e. supermom, superchef, Ms. Fix-it, superchauffeur, supermodel, superteacher, superchurchlady). UGH! We know in our heart of hearts that it is impossible to have that kind of strength or overall success…..unless you are like Popeye and eat your cans of spinach 3x a day! We are pressured into thinking that it IS possible to DO and BE everything to everyone. But “the strength God would shape in us is vastly different from the kind with which we are confronted each day.” (p. 92) There IS no human model for strength (sorry, Popeye!)……we need to look to God and the CHOSEN vulnerability of His Son.
“Behold the Lamb. There is no more vulnerable animal.” (p. 92) Think about it….God could have saved us from our sin some other way. But He chose to send His ONLY Son to die for us. Jesus could have changed the way the events took place….but HE didn’t. He placed himself in the path of great suffering and humiliation. Strength and Vulnerability….hmmm! As Rhinehart states, “It takes great courage to be a strong woman with a soft heart - but it is possible in Christ. It is the model of strength he lived.” (p. 94)
So how do we do that?? First we discover our hearts. You may think that sounds easy but , with all the hats we daily wear, our own hearts are the last thing on our minds…..right?? And we hide behind the different masks we don depending on whom we are with! When was the last time you searched your inner self and thought and prayed about your needs, your dreams, your fears, your losses? When did you last take time to reflect on the real YOU?
Rhinehart suggests journaling and I recommend it highly. She says, “Jounaling is like a farmer tilling the soil - only this is the earth of your life that’s being tilled. The seeds of truth sink in much deeper, and God shapes wisdom in your heart.” (p. 96) It is where you can begin to see who you really are and what you are about. It is also a place where you can let go of past hurts, guilt, fears, etc…..and it can be very cathartic. Journaling helped me when I was going through a very painful time in my life. It is also a great way to pray and/or write what you are thankful for at the end of each day. Try it!
The final step is sharing your heart in order “to draw us closer to one another and to God.” (p. 102) Perhaps you have done that one too many times and felt the sting of rejection. So now you guard your heart….whether it is with your husband, a daughter/son/sister/brother, a friend. There is nothing worse than pouring out your heart to someone and having them think you are creepy or weird. Ouch! You want to run the other way or cry or both! But as the author says, “We don’t mend each other’s brokenness, we admit our needs and let that draw us to each other and to God.” (p. 102) “It is as we ‘walk in the light,’ where he is, that we have actual connection with each other.” (p. 100)
“It’s wonderful when you can put your heart out there in some way and it’s not trampled upon. Or you take a deep breath and actually ask for help - and there ’s a willing response.” (p. 102)
So have courage. Take the risk. Don’t close off your heart. Honor your heart and your God. Share your heart with the people God has put in your life. “Real success is measured only by the courage it takes to do and say what needs to be done or said.” (p. 103) “As difficult as it is to live with a vulnerable heart, it is far easier than camping out behind a facade.” (p. 105)
“What will you do with your heart, even if no one understands of offers validation? Will you honor your heart with the dignity God does - regardless of how you are met by others?” (p. 103) I hope so….
The Strength of Vulnerability…..hmmmm! Definitely a “God-thing” and a good thing!
