The last 2 weeks I had the honor of being able to speak during the weekly Cru meeting at two schools. I shared about my life this past year. The whole year of 2014 can be summed up in one word for me—transition. It was a year of experiencing 3 huge life changes—marriage, moving, and a new job. I am so thankful for all of these things and the list of things to celebrate is certainly longer than the things that have been hard. But…it’s been hard. Really hard. And the stress from my husband’s job taking him away from home more than letting him be home was icing on the cake.
So when I spoke, I shared about struggling to eat.
Feeling emotionless.
Struggling to read my Bible and pray.
And finally realizing—I’m experiencing depression.
After I spoke, so many of you came to talk with me. I was overwhelmed by the encouragement from you but also overwhelmed by how many of you can relate to my experiences. Some of you experienced it in the past and for others the description of my emotions is all too real now.
So you thanked me for being vulnerable. And it got me thinking…we are people who long for vulnerability. God has created us with a longing for truth and that seems to seep into a desire for truth from those around us too.
Are you a vulnerable person? How often when someone asks how you are doing, do you answer generically and hide the hard things? How often when someone asks how to pray for you do you mention someone else they can pray for in your life? When is the last time you shared the thing that is hurting you the most right now with other people? Have you taken off your mask?
It doesn’t always have to be a huge thing. It can be small. It can be something that is hard for just a season.
But the hard things matter. And opening up can bring healing.
Because when you share, it’s really likely you’re not the only one with that experience.
And even more important, someone can speak life and hope into the situation.
So speak up ladies. Speak up about the hard things. What a joy it would be to be in a community where vulnerability is the norm so that no one believes the lie that they are alone in their pain and the hope of Christ can be exalted even more.
After all, God’s love is declared in the grave. His wonders are known in the place of darkness. Jesus went to the lowest pit and conquered the grave so that we can have life and have it to the fullest. (Pslam 88)
And sometimes it takes vulnerability to let someone remind you of that great truth.
Also, an end note for all of you who may be curious. God has answered our prayers so sweetly. Dan’s next assignment should have him home much, much more. And that really can only be attributed to the Lord hearing our prayers and the prayers of many friends. (More prayers are another sweet blessing that comes from vulnerability too. J )
And this is a really sweet video that talks about the power of vulnerability. I have no idea where this woman is spiritually, but her points are really good! http://youtu.be/iCvmsMzlF7o