Vulnerability Is Terrifying

“Vulnerability is terrifying.”

That was the first line of a meme I saw this morning. So true.

To be authentic takes vulnerability, and because it truly is terrifying to put yourself out there, that may explain why people don’t seem very “real” these days. They’re scared.

I think people are walking around with their guards up, with an invisible shield and sword, ready to lop off the hand of the server who gets it wrong or pierce the belly of the next person who disagrees with them.

I’m noticing this tough-guy act. Folks are throwing their weight around, demanding things that they somehow believe they’re entitled to, and breaking bad when things don’t go their way.

Maybe they’re terrified. I mean…the last time we all let our guards down, a pandemic snuck in through a back door.  When we were lolling about, whistling while we worked, and picking up our grocery orders on Sunday afternoons, our blissful ignorance was about to be lambasted by the realities of illness, political division, economic scarcity, and joblessness.

We were vulnerable once, and we saw what happened.

Yet I also see an occasional act of kindness, glimpses of thoughtful understanding, and moments of tenderness. Amidst the noise of confusion and frustration, there are still people out there willing to give of themelves, willing to reach out, willing to be vulnerable.

Some people are still real. They aren’t being swayed by the mood of society, they question everything, and they hold fast to their own belief system. You not only hear their words, you hear their hearts. They can’t help it, as their realness affords them no other option.

Where are we in our vulnerability? I have to agree that it’s terrifying…but where is the world without it? I think we’re there. This is that world. I say we need less loud, tough guys with swords and shields and more genuine souls willing to reach out. Letting go and keeping it real may be the only way to get back on track.