IDareToHope

Transparency. It’s a word that I don’t use very often. Similar terms in this blog’s context would include openness and vulnerability.
Have you ever had anyone share something with you for the sake of being open? How did you respond?

I’d like to think I’m a relatively open person, open about my views when asked, and even open with my opinions when not asked… 🤔 I love to share happy things about my life, how things made me feel, etc. But I, like most people, don’t like to share the yucky stuff.
I haven’t been open about many of my struggles, even with my safe people. But this Christian life is not meant to be walked alone, putting on our “everything’s fine” masks in church on Sunday, allowing our secrets to continue to make us sick.

I recently read a blog post about transparency versus vulnerability. The author described transparency as a window to our hearts; we can be open about our “stuff,” the good-bad-ugly, but definitely don’t invite interaction or others’ opinions or assistance.
In contrast and even more difficult, vulnerability is like a door that invites others in and asks them to be gentle with what they see, hear, and learn.

Transparency is knowing about us. Vulnerability is knowing us.

TrueFace blog post, Am I just Pretending to Be Real?

Vulnerability is scary, friends. It’s scary because it opens your heart to others, reveals the messes, and invites another in while you work through it. I loved the Trueface author’s description: “Vulnerability is saying, ‘Come in. I think I need some help with this. Will you help me sort through this particular mess? Will you sit with me, here inside the house, while I try to understand it?’”

Social media has been my window, a selectively transparent view into my life for those on the outside: “Here are my perfect beach views from today, there are my most-excellently baked loaves of bread.” But I think this blog is a bit more of a door to my heart, inviting you to sit with me as I work through things. And writing can be a great way to process.

I’m thankful for some safe friendships in my life and the God-given-in-the-moment courage to be vulnerable. It’s time for some heartwork, which also comes through vulnerability with myself and my Father God, opening doors to closets that haven’t been deep-cleaned in a while, being honest about the contents, and asking God to help me sort through it.

Friends, may the Lord provide trustworthy relationships in your life in people who will sit with you in your house as you work through things. Do not invite just anyone in, but ask our Father to bring someone into your life that is safe and will walk beside you. However difficult, vulnerability is the pathway to true connection with others. And yep, I’m preaching to myself here too. 😏 May we go deeper with each other as we encourage one another on the Christian walk.