Embracing Vulnerability: Finding Connection in Tough Times

It had been a hectic day at the busy doctor’s office and the young receptionist was frazzled. The phone rang for the umpteenth time and she answered:

“Southwest Heart and Vascular Center… Can you help me?”

After an awkward pause, the embarrassed employee spoke first, “What did I just say?! I’m so sorry, it has been a long day. I meant, ‘May I help you?’”

“It’s alright,” answered the patient on the other end of the line. “I’m sure you’re doing your best.”

This true story, shared by a friend, ended with both parties sharing a restorative chuckle.


In her popular TED talk, The Power of Vulnerability, social psychologist Brene’ Brown says vulnerability is excruciating; people almost universally avoid it. Yet, it’s something most of us appreciate seeing in others.

Such shared human moments create connection, and remind us that we are all in this together.


I’m thinking of a recent prayer breakfast where several men gathered for fellowship. The speaker asked each man to share a concern from his life. As we went around the room, the stories were fairly generic—“Pray for my father-in-law, he’s very sick, etc.”

However, when Roy, a silver-haired father figure spoke, the atmosphere in the room dramatically changed. “My wife of fifty three years died last week, after a long illness. The emptiness in my heart is almost too much to bear. I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

The room fell completely silent, as everyone looked Roy’s way. A heartfelt time of prayer ensued as several men gathered around him in support.

With godly humility and wisdom, a dear brother who was suffering essentially said, “Can you help me?” Instead of repelling others, it worked like a magnet, as almost everyone could identify with his profound loss.

Kind reader, I’m not suggesting we share our deepest joys and sorrows with others every time we get on an elevator. The question is, are we letting ourselves be seen? Do the people that matter most in our lives get to see the real us?

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

You Are Not Alone.

Thank you for reading. 🙏❤️ Prayers and love.


The Stigma Stops Here.🛑

mentalhealthmatters#



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22 responses to “Embracing Vulnerability: Finding Connection in Tough Times”

  1. davidsdailydose Avatar

    I love your quote! I think it was Hemingway who said that the best way to know if you can trust someone is to trust them.
    Thank you for sharing. God Bless!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. alimw2013 Avatar

    Timely post for me!
    The other day, I just had this thought and wrote it down: “Sometimes it takes being vulnerable to see how relatable we are in our relationships.”

    Liked by 1 person

  3. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Same here, Pastor Pete. Through suffering the comfort of God often overflows to others. Thank you for reading and commenting.

    Like

  4. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Agreed, Gary. You and Dana, from Regular Girl Devos shared the same sentiments. Plenty of folks have all the burdens they care to bear, and there’s simply no room for anyone else’s. Like you said, there are moments—Like when brother Roy shared from his raw grief at the breakfast—when we are able to all get under the same emotional and spiritual “umbrella.” My ramblings probably make little sense, but it’s what’s on my mind. Thank you for reading and commenting.

    Like

  5. Gary Fultz Avatar

    vulnerability is tricky. I’m quite sure many onlookers stay silent, move on uncomfortably. Once in awhile everyone around draws in. It is hard to know when but honesty is the most important part of that puzzle however expressed…my 2 cents

    Liked by 2 people

  6. pastorpete51 Avatar

    Some of the best lessons I have both taught and learned have been when I was at my lowest and most vulnerable. Thank you for sharing this special story Dave.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. davidsdailydose Avatar

    That’s great, Rocky! Ours is a monthly inter-denominational prayer breakfast, but several of the guys from my church meet for coffee on Friday mornings. I’m not sure how much prayer and devotional time happens at the coffee, but it’s Christian brothers together. Thank you for stopping by. God Bless!

    Like

  8. Rocky Avatar

    We have a men’s prayer group that meets weekly to share our joys and concerns, and we pray for each other and for others that have concerns.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thank you, Bridget.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Bridget Avatar

    A thought provoking post, David!

    Liked by 1 person

  11. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thank you, Sister Super-C!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. davidsdailydose Avatar

    I think I understand where you’re coming from, Dana. Vulnerability means going to others with your heart in your hands, and may also include putting that heart in their hands. That’s one reason I got off social media—except for Word Press. I grew tired of saying how I felt, only to be rebuffed or ignored. As a person in a leadership position, I am quite careful who I choose to be vulnerable with. It’s a short, short list. Thank you for your honest and helpful comment. God Bless!

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Dana at Regular Girl Devos Avatar

    As I presented myself as invincible for most of my life, when I did need help, I got a mixed bag of responses, from “you’ll work it out,” to “oh, I thought you were fine.” Vulnerability is a complicated issue and the question of letting people see our real selves can be difficult. Thank you for making important points, David.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. God Still Speaks Avatar

    So very, very good!

    Liked by 1 person

  15. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thanks, brother. Brene’ has at least two TED talks and several good books. 📚
    Sometimes vulnerability shows up when it’s most needed. That’s the way I like to think of it – I need to be open to vulnerability but I’m not trying to manufacture it all time.
    Thanks for stopping by my brother. I hope you and Terri have a wonderful day!

    Liked by 1 person

  16. davidsdailydose Avatar

    It’s a hard line to walk, especially for men. Most of us were taught from an early age not to let our weaknesses show. At my school, we’ve coined a humorous phrase to remind us how to work with parents, and other stakeholders: “Be humble. Be kind. It could save your behind.”
    Thank you for stopping by, Malcolm. God bless.

    Liked by 2 people

  17. The Devotional Guy™ Avatar

    At first, I thought you were going to tell us how you spent the day at the cardiologist! I’m glad that’s not the case. I will have to checkout the TED talk that Brene’ Brown gave. We had a moment of vulnerability at the Men’s Bible Study I’ve been attending. It was a good discussion and men were open, but I still sensed a veil guarding our vulnerability. But it was a start. Your questions at the end, particularly the first one, give me food for thought. Thanks for this post, David. Have a blessed day.

    Liked by 2 people

  18. malcolmsmusingscom Avatar

    I used to think that vulnerability showed weakness, David. I was wrong. It takes strength to be humble and vulnerable.

    Liked by 3 people

  19. davidsdailydose Avatar

    That’s about the time I first saw the video, as well, Crystal. She now has at least one more TED talk that I’ve seen.
    Thank you for stopping by.
    By the way, you excel at being appropriately vulnerable—when the situation calls for it. I appreciate this in your writing. God Bless!

    Like

  20. The Crystal Light Avatar

    I watched this TED talk for the first time in 2017 right before I started my blog. I should probably revisit it.

    Liked by 1 person

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