Just stumbled upon one of the great TED talks (they all seem to have some thought provoking gems). This one hit something in my core. I found myself shouting YES all the way through as Brené Brown, a researcher in social work, shared her learning about discovering one’s true authenticity and authority through vulnerability. Look at it here.
I contend that this is a strong plank in Jesus’ platform as he moves us towards participation in what the Gospel writers call the kingdom of heaven. While it is an individual journey it takes place in the context of our connections with others. There is no “I” without “we” and there is no “we” without the kind of considered vulnerability that Brené Brown shares in her stories. Yes, acknowledging and even celebrating our vulnerability exposes us to risk and danger, but it is also the road leading to that which is ultimately empowering and freeing. My caveat is that exploring and owning our vulnerability best takes place in a supportive environment. We don’t want to take it out and polish it in a context that will neither honour nor respect it, and that may even seek to exploit it.
Wondering Pilgrim 