Standing on the thick limb of a tree looking out as the limb twists and turns and narrows smaller and smaller until it stops. The courage it takes to take a step out onto that skinny branch is not a small thing. Anything further than a step can feel impossible! So why do it? Why go out on that skinny branch knowing that there is a good chance of slipping, of the branch breaking, or of becoming paralyzed and unable to return.
Why?
For some people there is a giant need. Allowing something to fester inside can be harder than actually sharing! Opening your mouth and sharing your fears, burdens, pains and worries can feel liberating in the moment. Almost as if you have been on a restrictive diet and you finally are eating the thing you have been craving. For some people this high they get from sharing can even become addictive. Because they are still broken they continue to share, hoping to heal their past or to simple get others to love them and sympathize.
For others they are forced to share. They have been put in a position where they don't have any other choice. To not share might mean a loss of something important. They might have held onto this festering pain for years and not they find themselves at a precipice and if they don't work through the pain they will find themselves truly broken.
Then there are those that have found the act of sharing to be an act of consistent growth, and healing. These are they that have healed from their past and recognize the power in authenticity and sharing. These are they that are willing to be vulnerable because they know the results are worth the sacrifice. Because they understand this power they are more than willing to share it knowing that not only are they helping themselves but they are also helping others. Just like flight attendants instruct before every flight. "Place the oxygen mask on yourself first and then help those around you". These individuals have learned the joy of lifting others through their own painful and yet healed past.
There are those of course that choose not to climb out on that skinny branch and be vulnerable. They choose to push their past down deep and ignore it for the time; putting off until tomorrow that which should be done today. I would like to share one thing with them. The world has taught us to look at one another with a filter. We constantly edit every word, picture, and video until the lighting is perfect, background is great, and even the sound is only what you want others to hear. We have judgmental eyes and as we judge ourselves and the world we expect that same judgement from others. We lie to ourselves and say that others won't understand, that they will think less of us, and that we should be more strong, more capable... What I have found after many experiences is this. The further out we get on that skinny branch, the more others start rooting for us. The scarier our predicament looks, the more people gather beneath you ready to catch you if you fall. Your vulnerability is inspiring! We love you for it! Vulnerability is truly a show of strength and is something to be applauded. Those that would judge you are people that need a lot of growth themselves. Either your honesty scares them because it shames them for lacking the same courage, or they become bitter because of it for the same reason. Some people are just not ready for it. We can pray for them but we should not live our lives according to their wishes. I was taught once to "NOT TAKE ADVICE FROM BROKE AND UNHAPPY PEOPLE". This can apply to anything and everything we are going through. My prayer for you and for them is that we can all practice more courage and have more faith in one another. Give each other the benefit of the doubt.
The most beautiful thing I have ever experienced in this life is the relationship between two people. Tears come immediately to my eyes as I witness real love on display. I have seen this and experienced it many times which is why I consider myself a rich woman. I will share at another time examples of this beauty. For now it suffices me to say that vulnerability is a key element in our ability to love ourselves and others in this life. Sharing ones innermost feelings and thoughts is a display of our faith in them and in that God who we belong to.
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