“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.”
-Brene’ Brown, Rising Strong
In an earlier post I wrote about vulnerability and how it has been an important tool in fighting my social anxiety. However, the more I practice vulnerability, the more I realize how much courage it takes to be truly known by people. I’m learning that vulnerability is risky business and that practicing vulnerability carries no guarantees.
Vulnerability often begets deeper connection, empathy, and intimacy.
However, vulnerability can also result in rejection, disappointment, and pain.
Lately, I’ve been wrestling with what to do when I risk vulnerability and it doesn’t work out.
I think that for people with social anxiety, experiences of rejection are especially painful. In moments of rejection, it’s so tempting to shut down the heart and vow not to risk vulnerability again.
However, I know that this isn’t the way God intends for us to live.
God intends for us to live in community with others— to know and be known. Although relationships can lead to hurt and disappointment, they are also one of the most powerful ways that God brings healing to our lives. Vulnerability is truly worth the risk.
It takes courage to get back up after a disappointment.
But I’m determined to keep practicing vulnerability, even when it’s painful.
Grace to be Imperfect 