I pull up a social media feed and see nothing but seemingly perfect lives. All smiles and happiness plastered on the screen of my smartphone. In the age of technology, it seems we are an ever-documenting culture, taking pictures of our so-called perfection and calling it reality. I include myself in what my Pastor calls, “the highlight reel.”

Please hear me, I am not condemning social media or the use thereof. I do, however think it perpetuates the myth that vulnerability equals weakness. We say and photograph only those things we want people to see. All in the name of having “it” together…

There is something very holy about vulnerability. I’m reminded of what the Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 7:15 and 18-“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Vs. 18 “For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” 

Paul didn’t have to be this honest. He could have left out the part about his inner struggle and gone on about his day. So why did he do it? For us, my friend. To show us that we aren’t alone in our battle. Paul did GREAT things for the gospel. But he was a man, complete with “thorns of the flesh.” 

It’s easier to hear about someone else’s weakness versus being truthful with my own. But openness leads to transparency. And transparency leads to vulnerability. And vulnerability is downright uncomfortable. What would happen though, if we could shift how we think about vulnerability? Maybe we could realize that it is the exact opposite of weakness, and relax a bit more in who we are. Maybe we could stop feeling like we need to show the world how together we have “it”, and rejoice instead in our beautiful mess. 

It is our brokenness that reveals our need for a Savior. Beloved, we were never meant to have it all figured out. We are not built for perfection. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 12:8-10, “I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (italics mine) 

I have nothing but ashes to bring to the table. But Jesus made a promise that He would take our ashes and give us beauty in exchange. A beautiful mess we are indeed.