Are you Vulnerable? Maybe you should be.

Let me explain.

First, a definition:

“vulnerable (adjective): susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm.”

Just to be clear: I am NOT advocating that you become vulnerable to physical attack or harm. What I bring to you today is a subject that most people never consider: the need to become emotionally vulnerable – in certain circumstances.

When you love someone, do you love them unconditionally, or with limits? Do you expect them to love you for who you are, or for who they want you to become?

Years ago, I saw the best example of what I am trying to explain, though it was in a business setting. The business of which I was a part did a great job training all of us in the area of true servant leadership. The man doing this particular training stood on stage with his arms wide open. He said that we all needed to approach relationships with people in this way: emotionally accepting, trusting that the other person will not harm us (in other words, being willing to be emotionally vulnerable). Unfortunately, sometimes people do hurt us. He said that the real challenge that we have to face is the temptation to close ourselves off – not just to the person who hurt us, but to all people. (He crossed his arms over his chest to exemplify his message.)

He went on to say that – in order to be a true friend, to be a true servant leader – we MUST be willing to open up our arms AGAIN. He said that it would not be easy, but we must do it on purpose going forward, because if we did not, we would never allow ourselves to serve others fully and without conditions.

This is true not just in relationships, but on stage. I have had the honor to be on many stages throughout my life. I have shared stages with many truly amazing people. One challenge that I have observed through the years is that many people – in an effort to give their very best – will end up shedding some tears on stage.

I have done that – many times. I still do it today sometimes. The challenge that I have witnessed is that most of the time the speaker will apologize to the audience for doing so.

WHY?

The way I see it, if you are being true to yourself – if you are allowing yourself to be emotionally vulnerable with the audience – you should not keep your emotions in check. It is a part of the way God made you. Please never apologize to anyone ever again for being yourself. Allow yourself to be emotionally vulnerable. If the result of your being yourself drives the other person away…

…just choose to open yours arms up again for everyone else in life that you encounter.

You are too special to pretend not to be yourself. Allow yourself the freedom to be emotionally vulnerable with others, and you will find yourself being more comfortable in your own skin.