“Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” -Isaiah 50:7

According to research, vulnerability is the birthplace of compassion, joy, and creativity. Yet, in being vulnerable, we’re often so afraid that if people saw deeply into our hearts, they would see the worst. But, God sees deeply already, and he sees something that’s wonderful. He sees you and he loves you. You are worthy of love and belonging.

The key to releasing shame is vulnerability. Being vulnerable allows us to connect with people, but it’s so scary because it’s also the place of all of our fears! All of our shame!

Being vulnerable means you have to take a risk because there will be times if you’re vulnerable that people will condemn you and people will curse you and people will shut you down. That absolutely will happen sometimes. But most of the time, especially if it’s with people you love, it will draw shame out of your soul like drawing poison from a wound. You’ll feel such a sense of freedom and courage and power.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank you for loving me in my vulnerability and shame. Help me to open up with safe people. Help me to recover my sense of freedom, courage, and power. Amen.

REFLECTION: How have you experienced vulnerability in your own life?