“To love someone -fiercely- to believe in something with your whole heart, to ((celebrate)) a f.l.e.e.t.i.n.g moment in time, to FULLY engage in a life that doesn’t come with guarantees – these are risks that involve vulnerability and often pain. But, I’m learning that recognizing and leaning into the discomfort of vulnerability teaches us how to live with joy, gratitude and grace.” – Dr. Brene Brown *accents added
One of our team members recently posted about the heart, and of course it is a common topic that is discussed among our community of WNY women. That deceitful yet beautiful heart of ours. My heart recently has been allowing myself to grieve a relationship the Lord tried to protect me from years ago. And at this stage of it all it has led me on such a heart warming (if you will) path of learning how beautiful taking risks are. I made a wrong choice, for a long time, I had given my heart away (poured my energy into, spent the most time at, and cared deeply for) a relationship that was damaging to my walk with Christ, but I learned what engaging fully entails. I felt high highs, and lived through the low lows. I watched God save me from the pits when I had originally thought He only saved us once at salvation and that was it. Boy was I wrong, He continually saves me from my daily mishaps.
At church today the spirit spoke to me, depending greatly on the genuineness of the relationship, a woman giving her heart away can both be the most dangerous and brave thing she has ever done. Oh, how I have felt both of those. To be vulnerable with my WNY women and truly lived life with them, sharing my hidden anxieties so they can both pray for me and walk with me through (and hopefully out of them) has been a game changer for my life. We encourage you this week to think about if you are walking through your low lows with anyone, or celebrating your high highs the way they should. If you find yourself in a season where you are not, make sure you are reaching out, taking risks in trusting trust-worthy people and check out our girls weekend coming up in February.
Dr. Brene Brown continues to write, “Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen…Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.”
wnyLifeTogether Team Member
Kerri