The Power of Vulnerability by Lorrie Orr

 

At 242 feet in height and a circumference of over 32 feet, 
this is the largest Douglas Fir tree in the world. 

I am a homebody who likes to travel. Does that make any sense at all? Puttering in my house and garden delight my heart. I feel safe and secure here. Comfortable. Yet the lure of adventure lurks beneath the surface. My husband and I talk about places to explore, places near and far. Last week the two of us visited the west coast of Vancouver Island. While there we went looking for some infamous trees. 

As we jounced over potholed logging roads, following our maps, I felt vulnerable. We were in the deep forest with no cell phone coverage and no other people anywhere near. We hiked on rough trails. I thought that if there was an accident, it could be weeks or months before we were found. That was unnerving. I felt vulnerable. Uncertain. Yet when I stood at the base of the largest Douglas Fir Tree in the world, the elation was worth the uncomfortable feelings. 

Brené Brown says, "Vulnerability is not weakness; it's our greatest measure of courage." To be human is to feel, to have emotions both positive and negative. Admitting to joy, anger, uncertainty, hurt, the vast array of human expression allows us as writers to connect to our readers and to the people in our lives. We connect through our likes and dislikes, our strengths and our weaknesses. When a reader has an aha moment - "You, too? I thought I was the only one" - the writer has succeeded in making a connection. 

The inescapable presence of vulnerability in life must be reflected in our writing for it opens dialogue and expresses authenticity. There is a risk in being open with our feelings for there are those who would use our honesty as weapons to wound us. Denial and suppression of emotion is a coping mechanism that can lead to disappointment, disillusionment, and detachment from God. I am reminded of Paul writing to the Ephesians and praying for them to know "...the incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead..." This amazing power is ours. We do not have to fear vulnerability, but to recognize the power of God to overcome past hurts and traumas in order to demonstrate, with utter humility and thankfulness, God's grace to all of us. 

Vulnerability lends power to our writing when we give the credit to God for all he has done. We trust him with our circumstances. Vulnerability allows our readers to identify with the same emotions they feel, and provides a wonderful way to connect. What might vulnerability look like to you? How does the power of God in Christ allow you to share past experiences with others? 

Lorrie Orr writes from her cozy home on Vancouver Island. Life is not always a bowl of cherries, but there is much sweetness because of God's love and grace.