Often I take just a minute to step back from the craziness of life and check in on where I’m at. Whenever I do this, I realize just how vulnerable I am. I remember, in my early twenties, being terrified of being vulnerable. I was taught that being vulnerable meant you were weak and could be taken advantage of. Over the past 10 years I have learned something very different from that. I have learned that when I am weak, I am strong. It sounds so backwards I know, but here is how it has played out.

 

I’ve realized that I am always vulnerable because I am in need. I need people’s help. I can’t do what I do alone.  I have tried and failed, miserably. But when I admit that I need help, I become aware of just how vulnerable I am.  In this, I have learned a profound lesson: we need each other to accomplish great things. When I forget this and go out on my own, I am reminded that I am acting a fool.

 

In this, I begin to recognize that some of the people around me are there to help.

 

Here I’ve learned that the place I am most vulnerable is the place I have the most strength.  Here I have the most impact in the lives of those I serve.  Not everyone likes this however. You may have had this experience as well.  I believe this happens because you are standing up for something that matters. You are protecting someone that matters. Those who come against this, hate when others are strong in their vulnerability. They don’t understand it, because they can not admit where they are vulnerable.  I know this because I was that person. And still am sometimes. We all are afraid to admit where we are vulnerable. But vulnerability is key to reaching those we serve. I encourage you to protect those you serve by admitting where you are vulnerable. Protect what matters in humility and vulnerability.

 

When you do the world around you changes.  Lives are transformed.  Know this, when you admit your vulnerability:

 

 

 

 

In being vulnerable, you give others permission to be vulnerable too. This enables them to get the help they need when they want it.

 

 

 

In being vulnerable, you point out the truth that none of us can do it alone.

 

 

 

Everyone wins as others are valued. Even those that come against you. They get to see you stand for what is right and what matters. This will change them whether they ever admit it or not. No one can stand before another and not be moved when someone stands up for what is right.

 

Everyone wants to be valued. Most just never reach out, admit it and ask for help. Be the one who does.  Be there for those that are.

 

I like to leave you with this question to answer:  What do you protect in others in one word? Start there. Right there is where your passion is. Right there is where your opportunities abound. Right there is where you will be most vulnerable and need the help of others.