Vulnerability??

At my church we have been having “Summer Stories” where several couples have shared their testimonies. I have gotten so much out of each and everyones’ stories. So many of the stories carried common themes of struggles, hope, and growth. One underlying theme that kept surfacing to me was the vulnerability that each couple showed and how their vulnerability brought me closer to them but also allowed me to feel “normal”.

Allowing others to see the “True” Lorie has always been difficult, but why? Why is Vulnerability such a scary concept to most?? As I dig into past experiences here are some reasons why I have learned not to be vulnerable.

1. I remember growing up how I watched my parents act one way at home and another completely different way in public. I learned quickly that I too need to hide my true self. I was loud at home but at school I never spoke. I remember one time my mom went to a parent conference where the teacher told my mom I was very quiet. My mom’s response was: Lorie??. (My fellow colleagues would probably not refer to me as a quiet person now lol)
2. Social interactions have always been extremely awkward to me because I was hiding. Hiding my hurt, hiding my personality, hiding me. Trauma taught me that I was unloveable, it taught me that I didn’t belong. The devil took those teachings and has spoken these untruths to me in my day to day life.
3. An administrator of mine once told us to Fake it to we Make it. We had just gone over a new practice and knew it was going to be a rough start. We were instructed to Fake our insecurities and not let the kids know we were hesitant.
4. Social Media is used for celebrations and boasting. It doesn’t take long of scrolling to realize if you are struggling you must be the only one.

This is my first post in awhile, mainly because I forgot my “Why.” I started looking at how many or how few of people actually were reading them. I also looked back at past posts and found so many errors that it confirmed my thought that I wasn’t a writer. After several months and after listening to others share their stories I remember my Why. I write so I can process my life, I write so that others may see my vulnerability and find comfort, and most importantly I write to show how God can use and change everything!!

My challenge to you and to myself is to continue to be vulnerable. Dare to let others know when you are having a bad day! Dare to show them the true you! Most importantly dare to share how God has transformed you and continues to transform you!

Afraid to be Vulnerable: NO NOT ME!

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