Brene Brown nails it. “Vulnerability: the last thing I want you to see in me. The first thing I look for in you.”

Yep, I don’t find it easy to talk about my weaknesses, struggles, fears and failings. But deep down I know the importance of vulnerability. It forges connections. It strengthens relationships. It builds trust. It cultivates genuine community. 

I’ve been thinking about vulnerability today because I saw it modelled in spades this morning. I listened to a talk where the speaker courageously shared about the tension he experiences in everyday life as he seeks to to listen and follow the way of Jesus in a world of distractions and competing voices. 

“It’s hard. I often don’t get it right.”

There it is. Vulnerability. Honesty. And the door is gently opened for me to explore my own world and this same tension that I live with each day. 

And yes it’s hard and I too often don’t get it right!

I could have listened to this talk for a lot longer today. Why? Because honesty, humility and authenticity are attractive. 

“I need your help,” the speaker said.

Now we don’t hear that enough from preachers – people like me – who can feel the pressure to have all the answers!

Crissi Jami writes: “To share your weakness is to make yourself vulnerable, to make yourself vulnerable is to show your strength.”

Today I was reminded of what real strength looks like and it’s so at odds with how the world around us defines it.