One of the activities we recently did as a team was pick out team values and personal values. Each team was given a large stack of cards at the beginning of the Race, and on each card was a value of some sort. During the activity, we picked values that were most important to ourselves personally and as a team. Our team values were Vulnerability, Connection, Compassion, Loyalty, Communication, and Spirituality/Faith. My personal values were Compassion, Freedom, Authenticity, Hope, and Courage. While I was definitely a big advocate for vulnerability within our team, I didn’t see it as important enough to make it one of my personal values.
I have realized recently just how important it is to be vulnerable with other people, as well as the importance of being vulnerable with myself. The word vulnerable can be described in many ways, and has different meanings to different people. In the dictionary, vulnerability is defined as “exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally; unguarded; capable of being physically or emotionally wounded; exposed.” It is more than being honest with someone; it is choosing to be honest about the things in your life that you struggle with or are ashamed of or try to hide from others. It is letting your guard down and completely exposing yourself despite the fact that you could be attacked.
I have always shied away from vulnerability. I mean, read the definition again. It’s scary! Because of my battle with insecurity and feeling inadequate, I didn’t want to be vulnerable with the people in my life. I didn’t always want to let my true self be seen. I told myself I would be judged or I would be a burden or the person wouldn’t care. Unfortunately, those things could come true, and they have at points in my life. But, when choosing to be vulnerable, I also have to choose to trust God, knowing that no matter what happens, His view of me will not change. And, if those things don’t come to pass, then it’s very likely that my choosing to be vulnerable will cause me to grow: grow closer with the person I’m being vulnerable with and closer with God. I will probably experience joy, peace that transcends all understanding, and gain a deeper knowledge of the character and power of Jesus Christ.
I had to decide to fight my fears, step out in boldness, and be vulnerable with my team, other people, and myself. And after experiencing a taste of the fruit that came from that, I decided to add a sixth personal value to my list: “vulnerability”.
Here’s what I’ve learned thus far:
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Being vulnerable gets easier the more you do it.
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My team is so not judgmental; they are actually very supportive and caring. By being vulnerable, I have gained a deeper connection with each person on my team.
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Some really awesome conversations have stemmed from vulnerability.
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I have grown in my walk with God and am learning that God’s power is more evident through my weaknesses.
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Being vulnerable is still super scary most of the time, but how I feel afterwards is definitely worth it!
“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.” -2 Corinthians 12:9
