Vulnerability is such a gut-wrenching feeling none of us care to experience and we tend to avoid it like the plague. According to Merriam-Webster, vulnerability is “the capability of being physically or emotionally wounded, open to attack or damage, exposed to the possibility of criticism.” As leaders, we have the tendency to feel like we need to “have it all together”, to be flawless, and to have all the answers. I know that I have felt this way before. Vulnerability is often viewed as an indication of weakness, however, it can actually be very powerful and one of our greatest assets.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV reads, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
When I think of vulnerability, I immediately think of Jesus. He was THE most vulnerable being to ever walk the earth. Throughout his ministry years, he received much criticism, and was attacked both verbally and emotionally. On the cross, he was fully exposed so that he could bear our shame, our imperfections and our brokenness and bring us back into relationship with our Father. I really don’t think you can be more vulnerable than that. Because of Jesus’ willingness to be vulnerable, he opened the doors of eternal life for every single one of us. It is in our own vulnerability, that we can be great leaders. It is through our vulnerability that we can be catalysts of change for others.
The question is, how do we have the courage to not only be vulnerable, but to embrace it? Here are some important things I have learned:
1. It’s okay to ask for help.
Being teachable and seeking out guidance from others is a really great thing. Asking for help is not a sign that you are weak, but that you are a human being.
2. Perfection is a lie.
It’s absolutely okay to not be okay and to make mistakes as a leader. The important thing is to own them and grow from them. A lot of us strive for perfection, however, aside from Jesus, perfection does not exist.
3. Vulnerability is extremely powerful.
It is a gift to those whom we are leading. When we are vulnerable, it is then that we are relatable and as a result can connect more deeply with the people whom we are leading. As a result, this leads them to opportunities for change and growth.
4. Draw courage from Jesus.
The courage and strength to be vulnerable needs to be sought out from the One who displayed this state in its truest form. Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.
Sources:
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brene Brown.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV reads, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
When I think of vulnerability, I immediately think of Jesus. He was THE most vulnerable being to ever walk the earth. Throughout his ministry years, he received much criticism, and was attacked both verbally and emotionally. On the cross, he was fully exposed so that he could bear our shame, our imperfections and our brokenness and bring us back into relationship with our Father. I really don’t think you can be more vulnerable than that. Because of Jesus’ willingness to be vulnerable, he opened the doors of eternal life for every single one of us. It is in our own vulnerability, that we can be great leaders. It is through our vulnerability that we can be catalysts of change for others.
The question is, how do we have the courage to not only be vulnerable, but to embrace it? Here are some important things I have learned:
1. It’s okay to ask for help.
Being teachable and seeking out guidance from others is a really great thing. Asking for help is not a sign that you are weak, but that you are a human being.
2. Perfection is a lie.
It’s absolutely okay to not be okay and to make mistakes as a leader. The important thing is to own them and grow from them. A lot of us strive for perfection, however, aside from Jesus, perfection does not exist.
3. Vulnerability is extremely powerful.
It is a gift to those whom we are leading. When we are vulnerable, it is then that we are relatable and as a result can connect more deeply with the people whom we are leading. As a result, this leads them to opportunities for change and growth.
4. Draw courage from Jesus.
The courage and strength to be vulnerable needs to be sought out from the One who displayed this state in its truest form. Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.
Sources:
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brene Brown.
 | Danielle Hazlett serves as the NLC Kids Director at Next Level Church, where she oversees the kid's ministry across all NLC locations and equips the kids team leads so that they can raise up a generation of world changers. Danielle and her husband, Joe, together with their daughter live in Saco, Maine. |
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