Reclaiming Vulnerability

Think of the last time you were vulnerable. What was happening? What emotions did you feel? Who were you with? Chances are, you felt exposed, weak, maybe even embarrassed. Being vulnerable feels like a risky move. When we are vulnerable, we take the risk of being hurt, misunderstood, judged or condemned. I heard one person explain vulnerability like having a nightmare that they are on a stage with a room full of people buck naked. For Adam and Eve, that wasn’t just a nightmare, it was their reality. 

In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve walked with God naked and unashamed. They were so connected to God, within themselves, and with each other, that they didn’t even know they were naked. It was just who they were and they felt secure. They were fully exposed with nothing to hide. Emotionally vulnerable, they felt connection, intimacy, and acceptance. They had never experienced shame, judgment, condemnation, or hurt. Sounds like paradise, doesn’t it? Well, it didn’t last for long. 

Paradise was lost in Genesis 3. We call this The Fall…when Adam and Eve did what God told them not to do. Scripture says, “At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves” - Genesis 3:7 NLT. Suddenly, Adam and Eve felt shame at their nakedness. For the first time, they felt naked and ashamed. You may find yourself asking, “What does this have to do with vulnerability?” Adam and Eve’s sin revealed their nakedness and it transformed the way they felt about vulnerability… 

Before the Fall, vulnerability felt like a good thing. After the Fall, vulnerability felt like a bad thing. 

For Adam and Eve, their nakedness (vulnerability) made them feel shame. The use of the word suddenly in the text means just moments before this, their reality was different and then it suddenly changed. Before this moment, they were naked and unashamed. Now, they are naked and full of shame. Shame tainted vulnerability and caused Adam and Eve to hide from God. Listen to Adam’s response when God came looking for Him after the Fall…  

“He [Adam] said, ‘I heard the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.’” - Genesis 3:10 NASB

I find this verse fascinating. Can you imagine experiencing firsthand the sound of God? What does God sound like? He is full of joy and all the fruit of the Spirit…so maybe he was whistling a joyful song wooing Adam and Eve to join him on a golden hour walk through a breathtaking garden with the backdrop of the setting sun. Before The Fall, I imagine Adam and Eve looking forward to this moment every day. They probably ran to God when they heard the sound of Him and couldn’t wait to tell Him about their day as they watched the setting sun together. But now…the sound of God caused Adam to experience fear, insecurity, shame, and hiding. 

Vulnerability with God felt like a threat, not an invitation. 

Don’t we feel the same way? How much time do we spend avoiding God because we are ashamed of what it would feel like to honestly share with Him what’s going on in our lives? Shame causes vulnerability to feel like a threat instead of an invitation into intimacy. 

Vulnerability expert, Dr. Brene Brown, says this, “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.”

Every definition I looked up on vulnerability was negative. Brene is the outlier. But what if she is onto the truth? What if Brene is describing what Adam and Eve actually experienced before The Fall? If this is true and the path to purpose and meaningful spiritual life is vulnerability, how do we reclaim it? What is there to reclaim about something that is so exposing and risky? In Revelation 21:5, Jesus unpacks his mission to reclaim all things for the Kingdom of God (make all things new). Vulnerability is one of those things. Why? What is the point of vulnerability? 

Vulnerability is not just an action we take as in choosing to be honest with our spouse about having a bad day at work or feeling insecure about making a mistake. Vulnerability is also a character trait…and not just a human one. 

Vulnerability is a character trait of God. 

Through the pages of Scripture, we see a God who is endlessly vulnerable with His people…

• God listens to His people. God heard Moses’ prayers and reasoned with Him (Genesis 18:16-33). 

• God grieves. Jesus wept when his friend, Lazarus, died (John 11:35-36).

• God comforts. In His compassion, God comforts us when we experience trouble, suffering, and distress (2 Corinthians 1:3-7). 

• God was killed. Jesus Christ was crucified, weak and naked on a cross in order to rescue His people from death (2 Corinthians 13:4). 

Vulnerability is a part of God’s character and He wants it to be a part of ours as well. He designed it to lead us to connection, creativity, courage, and intimacy. Because of this, God is on a rescue mission to reclaim vulnerability. 

Relational vulnerability is necessary to build trust and connection with others. It prevents us from feeling guarded and “armored up” with those we love. Instead, it helps us stay close and open to one another. Brene Brown adds, “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.” 

What if vulnerability could be a good thing again?

Pastor John