Accepting Weakness
Vulnerability is a term that is open to much interpretation. We may think of it as tending toward ill health, such as one is vulnerable to infection or getting colds. Or, one might be vulnerable to any number of addictions. Being vulnerable often means giving in to ..... The definition I like is that of being "open to" such that we open ourselves to all that life has to offer. That openness is a strength and a weakness. It says "I am not self-sufficient" and "yes, I need you," and "I am open to your needs." As a Deacon in the United Methodist Church, I am ordained to Word and Service. It is a ministry of vulnerability. You and I are asked by God to be open to God's Spirit working in our lives, and that means you and I are to be vulnerable to the needs of others, and to be open to others reaching out to our needs. Our need for the nurturing that a faith community provides includes the strength we receive through worship, the insights we gain through study, the meaning we find in serving, and the real joy we find in being open, being vulnerable. In being vulnerable, strength and weakness are inseparable. When I say, "Sure, let's do that together," I "break away the mask of false self-sufficiency...depend on one another, ...depend on God" to which Sarah Parsons refers (p.39). Where have you shown vulnerability recently? -Joan
posted by Melanie at 8:29 AM
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This is Tuesday, March 21, and I'm first responding to Accepting Weakness. Saturday was spent cleaning the house, grocery shopping, preparing a crock pot stew and placing a few phone calls. The stew (which would last for several meals) was prepared for my huband to use for his evening meals while I was gone from Sunday to Wednesday afternoon. Our son and his wife, who live in Grafton, WI, were both going to be gone at the same time. Grandma was called to the rescue -- "sit" with their two children (Lauren, 14 and Alex, 10.)
I "stewed" over the fact that I needed to drive alone over 300 miles. I felt so vulnerable -- an older women driving alone, fear of having car "problems", miss one of the turn offs, etc. Thus, I forced myself to overcome my self doubts and made the trip without any problems. At the same time I am very vulnerable to the needs of others. As long as I am well and able I am always willing to help with the grandchildren (7).
While driving to Grafton, I had an ongoing conversation with God and for "good measure" also had besides me a copy of Mapquest's driving directions.
With God's help I will try to overcome my other self doubts and hope to always remain vulnerable to the needs of others.
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