I feel like there are buzz words roaming around churches these days…words like “authentic community”….”transparency”…”vulnerability”… I have 2 thoughts about this: It’s about time.  And: I hope it sticks.  Because if a church should be anything, it should be genuine, open, and willing to risk “self.”  Right?  We can be honest with each other can’t we?  And not just in church, but you and me-right here today in this virtual friendship.

We need to know we aren’t alone in our struggles.  We need to hear from the mouth of another person when life doesn’t make sense.  When we feel we can’t keep our head above water.  When we feel lost in the great mystery of God.  As much comfort as there is to be found here (and there IS), there is also a great amount of vulnerability that takes place in our transparency.  And that is easier said than done.

We know our Creator sees the depths of our hearts and we know His grace abounds.  But inviting another person into those dark and deep spaces?  Well that’s a different story altogether.  Because what will be thought of us?  What if we’re judged  What if people think less of us?

The word vulnerability comes from the Latin word vulnus, meaning “wound.”  Makes sense doesn’t it?  It’s exactly what we’re doing, inviting others into our hurt, our pain, our misunderstanding, our mess.  Our wounds.

As a nurse, I have had a bit of experience with wound care.  It’s not pretty.  In fact, in order for a wound to heal, oftentimes it has to be surgically opened.  I won’t go into further detail here (so take a deep breath), but there are usually even extra steps that need to be taken in order for the wound to get better.  Disease has to be removed so the healing can come.

I believe there is healing in vulnerability.  There is healing both for the wounded and for the person sitting next to the wounded.  Chances are, they have a wound(s) of their own.  And chances are, your healing could be a redemption road for them as well.

Ephesians 4:25 ESV

“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.”  (italics mine)

So can we do this my friends?  God is faithful to give us courage and strength where we need it.  He is so faithful to take care of our hearts.  Knowing this then, maybe we can be a little more open…maybe we can be a little more vulnerable.  And at the end of the day, may we rest in this Truth: Our Healer is in this.