They’re everywhere. These precious little children running around like they have no sense. Then you realize, this is normal. They don’t, these kids have no sense of shame of their bodies. This is something that I was so aware of at their age, that many kids are aware of at a young age. The fact that these children can run around unphased by their nakedness is beautiful. They are just little creations that the Lord perfectly crafted and they’re okay with it. They’re like Adam and Eve before the fruit, not even taking notice.
By today’s standards, most people at home (in the US) won’t let their children run around without clothes. This makes sense in public, you never know who’s walking around that could be tempted to pervert this beauty. You also don’t want to offend people who aren’t comfortable with nakedness. It makes sense. I’m probably going to clothe my children when I’m a parent.
But I’m going to enjoy the freedom while I’m here. I’m going to continue loving and embracing the kids who are so blithely unaware of their bodies. Because eventually they will be aware. They will be ashamed to be naked in public, so ashamed that they will cover everything from their shoulders to their knees. When you grow to a certain age, its no longer acceptable to be naked.
I think this kind of carries over into adult life in a different way. We get into clothes and accept it as normal. We are grateful to have clothes to cover us up, it’s like protection. Being naked is vulnerable, susceptible and raw. It goes past clothes. It’s thoughts and feelings and processing and your story. Have you ever noticed how children typically have no filter? Somewhere along the way, we pick it up. We learn to censor our thoughts and control what gets out of our mouths. (some of us)
This filter, just like our clothes, serve us as a sort of protection. Sometimes it’s good to filter what you’re going to say because it provides time to really consider your thoughts. Thinking before speaking is a virtue. It’s a good practice. It’s humbling to hold in a witty comment or a correction or an explanation. This is something I’m learning, but there is a delicate balance. Sometimes we filter too much. We don’t tell people what we’re dealing with or how we ACTUALLY feel. I’m to a place where being vulnerable (I hate that word) is a choice that I consciously have to make.
In order to grow we have to be vulnerable.
We have to be naked, authentic, raw, susceptible.
It’s embarrassing, uncomfortable and beautiful.
Examples of being spiritually and emotionally naked:
Not hiding your emotions – cry it out, shout, dance and laugh about it.
Not sugar coating things and calling people up into the Godly man or woman he or she is.
Trusting others with your heart by inviting them into your struggles and celebrations.
Sharing your story and letting others have the joy of understanding you and where you have come from, what God has done and where you are headed.
These are HARD at first, you have to put your heart on the line and trust God to protect it. Letting God be the protector of you heart is key. When WE try to protect it ourselves we filter, we take preventative measures and don’t share. We hide and sugar coat things to keep from having to put ourselves at risk.
That being said, when someone shares something with you – be sweet. Pay attention, this may have taken 20+ years to surface. Never make someone feel inferior or stupid for feeling the way they do. Being vulnerable is weird and GOOD for all of us. It’s our responsibility as the body to support one another and hold each other up. In this position there is no room for judgement or belittlement. Being vulnerable only requires the person on the other end to listen. THAT’S ALL that is required of you.
I know how awkward these situations can be. Welcome to my life, EVERY day of the race. But in the end it feels good. It’s bonding and stretching. The more vulnerable you can be with someone else, the more you begin to accept who you are in Christ. Like my momma always says,”If you say (hear) something enough, you’re gonna believe it.” Usually this was in response to my sister and I teasing our brother, but nonetheless this is true.
MORAL of the STORY: Vulnerability. It’s gross and good and annoying and difficult, but worth it.
My friend Jessie, loving on this sweet little boy. All of these pictures are hers.
To read her blog click here.
ON THAT NOTE: I am in need of a little under $2000 to continue on my race. I’m learning so much. I am amazed at what growth I’ve already done, God is constantly working. I’m not done. This is the halfway point. I can’t even fathom what else God can possibly put me through..lol BUT I know I can’t miss it. So if you could pray for my funds and spread the word and pray about giving, I would greatly appreciate it. I am so incredibly thankful for all that you’ve all contributed already. THANK YOU!!!
To Give by Credit Card – You can click the Support Me tab on the left of my blog.
To send a check – Make it out to AIM and on the memo line write LAWSONTAYLOR
Send that baby to:
Adventures In Missions
PO Box 534470
Atlanta, GA, 30353-4470
