The Ledge of Vulnerability

Recently, my husband and I were able to spend some time with a few of our nearest and dearest friends. They're the kind of friends where you get to pick up right where you left off, and honestly, they are a couple of the few people that we have ever "done life" with. The time we got with them was refreshing to our souls, filled with laughter, tears, and so many sarcastic comments.

In our time together, we dove right into the nitty gritty of each other's struggles, triumphs, and heartbreaks. One of the things we talked about was how difficult it is to find people that you feel you can truly be transparent and real with. We also realized how devastating life is without having people like that in your world.

It really struck me when I stopped to think about why we let so few people catch glimpses of what's actually going on in our lives and hearts, even though it's a crucial part of spiritual and emotional well-being. I believe that we are so scared to step out on the ledge of vulnerability because the thought of being out on that ledge all alone while no one steps with you is completely petrifying. There are few things in life that I can think of that are more humiliating and dehumanizing than baring the deepest parts of one's soul to someone, only to be shamed, or worse, unacknowledged.

We know that life was not meant to be lived in solitude. Hebrews 10:25 talks about the need to meet together as the body of believers. Jesus regularly sets the example of sharing His heart with His disciples. So what does this mean for us? I have a couple of challenges.

First, take the plunge. Step onto the ledge of vulnerability with someone. Stop placing higher priority on things that have no eternal value than you do on your relationships. Cut the crap and get real with people. Not with everyone, but with someone close in your life who you can speak away the darkness to. Find a friend.

Second, when someone steps out on the ledge in front of you, follow them. Listen to their words and love them through it. (Side note: I recommend tissues for this, especially if you ugly cry as I do.) Acknowledge the bravery your friend took in being vulnerable, don't broadcast it, and proclaim encouragement into their hearts. Doing so is unbelievably life-giving. Be a friend.

Dear friends, when we do this, when we speak truth and life, we take away the power of the devil. I have watched this victory. Don't suffer in silence. Don't assume that you will just be met with condemnation. Seek victory. Seek community.

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