To Be Brave, Be Vulnerable

This week, I feel incredibly vulnerable. I got emotionally invested in a situation that didn't work out in my favor. It hurt my heart. At first, I was beating myself up about allowing myself to be so vulnerable. But, in the end, I realized that in my vulnerability, I was really being brave. I made the brave choice to take a risk. Unfortunately, it didn't work out, at least in the way I had been praying for. But within that sadness and disappointment, I have peace because I am allowing God's spirit to gently instruct and guide me. And most of all, I'm hiding in His shadow and abiding in His presence. I've leaned in to renewed intimacy with my heavenly Father to make me strong and brave in the face of sadness. My Father is taking care of me.

To protect yourself from being vulnerable means never taking risks. You stay protected, and shut off from the people, things or circumstances that could be potentially damaging. Not very brave at all. My friend and pastor Donna Whitten is leading A Different March to explore the notion of taking back our power. Her reflection question today got me thinking - What is my view of strength? Where do I need personal bravery in my life?

I've lead an extraordinary life, mainly because I've taken risks. I don't operate out of fear much, I tend to err on the other end where I boldly jump into things with both feet. I've been brave when I didn't feel it, but I trusted God to rise up within me and make me more than a conqueror. I can think of any number of areas where I didn't feel particularly brave when I started; small group leadership, writing a book, becoming a professional auctioneer, and venturing out into self-employment, just to name a few. In each case, I had to wholly lean on God to guide me through those tenacious first steps. It's scary stuff.

My current need for personal bravery would be tied to not limiting God's vision. When I feel God coaxing me to move to things that are beyond my ability, all too often I focus on my own failings and shortcomings. My friend Donna was telling me recently "Your power comes from your inadequacy." I've thought about that long and hard.

When we're inadequate, vulnerable if you will, that's when we are wholly dependent upon God. In that situation, His true glory and power can be revealed in our lives. "Not OUR strength, Lord, but YOURS!"

My prayer is to be brave enough to take risks with God's vision that are WAY beyond my abilities. In doing so, I will fully rely on the Holy Spirit to direct me, and trust that all things in my life are working together for good. When it's all God, and none of me, the results are so much greater than I even imagined!

Jump on board with Donna's A Different March if you haven't yet, and until we meet again.....

Praise Crazy!