My closest friend in high school told me—on several occasions—that I was a “know-it-all.” Today the most common tagline I might be given is “she’s so real and vulnerable.” How did that happen? How did I go from an attitude of pride and I know what’s best to being willing to admit and even share…
Sometimes vulnerability makes me squirm—particularly in my closest relationships and when the stakes are highest. This is ironic, considering that as an author, vulnerability is sort of my jam. Readers who’ve read my very personal memoir have shared their appreciation for my openness and transparency. I poured my heart and soul into that book, as…
Dear friends, This month, The Redbud Post tackles a scary topic: vulnerability. Think about a country building a defense against invaders. It wants to make itself invulnerable, doesn’t it? Don’t let anyone in who might hurt us. Where are we vulnerable? Shore it up. Well, with a country, that’s a good idea, but with relationships,…
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” I John 4:18 NIV In 2014 my husband went missing in the wilderness. Throughout those first few days of shock and disorientation, and then for the next year-and-a-half, as we searched for him, I needed all the help in the world. When You…
After my husband, Christopher, and I teach together, people often approach us and say, “You two are so vulnerable!” Their feedback is infused with equal parts awe and trepidation. Their responses are correct. We do share vulnerably. In fact, we do more than teach out loud. For whatever reason, God seems to have called both…
It was the most intimidating question I’ve ever been asked. My husband and I were visiting a new church we’d read about. On our first Sunday the pastor, Gordon Cosby, announced that he’d be teaching a class on “Christian Growth,” and interested folks should sign up. We did. On the first day of class, as…
My fingers shook and my insides turned as I typed the blog post. I was casting aside fear. I was about to share in a way that would allow all of the world to read about the greatest darkness I had experienced: my journey with bipolar disorder. With trembling hands, I opened up my heart…
Now do not be stiff-necked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves to the Lord; and enter His sanctuary, which He has sanctified forever, and serve the Lord your God, that the fierceness of His wrath may turn away from you. 2 Chronicles 30:8 (NKJV) I dislike few things more than being vulnerable. Vulnerability requires…