Have you ever had to be vulnerable?
I had to be this morning; and I have to be every six months at the dentist where I have to lay back and have my new mouth be visible to others.
It’s a humbling experience for others to see my battle wounds from cancer and hear me speak without my obturator.
After I left I found myself welling up with tears of gratitude because of the kindness my dentist and the hygienist extend me every time I am there. They treat me as though nothing is wrong with me. They don’t need to. But they choose to. And for that I am so grateful.
I share this today because so many of us have invisible wounds others may not see, yet we are afraid to be vulnerable and let others in to see them. Whether it is the response of others we fear or we think it’s weak to be vulnerable, we choose to hide our wounds from others.
Yes, it’s hard for me to be vulnerable. Yet to be fully known, my flaws and all, and still have people who are willing to come beside me, accepting me as I am, and extend loving kindness my way has been part of my healing.
My hope is you too will choose to be vulnerable to those who will be a part of your healing.
I invite you to join me to...
Pause. Breathe. Pray.
May we not be ashamed of the wounds we have in life, visible or invisible. Instead may we be willing to be vulnerable so we may move closer to healing. Also, may we choose to be the ones who are willing to come beside others, accepting them for who they are, flaws and all, and extend loving kindness their way.
With love and hope,
Shawn
