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The world rewards resilience and strength, but has it undermined the beauty and strength in vulnerability? People stand in awe when others are able to endure and withstand so much of what happens in life and pity those who succumb to it. There is a disparity in how people perceive and receive emotions and reactions—a division between what they label as strong and weak.

 

Due to such judgment, most feel urged to mask their emotions.

 

Perhaps this is why people have developed discomfort with vulnerability and emotions. Although it’s completely human to feel, people are often shamed and embarrassed because of it.

 

The Long Disgraced Vulnerability

 

Regardless of how easy the concept of honesty has been portrayed in society, people find it difficult to express their truths. Has humanity always hidden behind facades, or is the perception of vulnerability as a weakness only a modern conception?

 

Upon hearing the word vulnerability, some other terms it automatically conjures include weakness, bad, and shame. People have long been taught about the absence of strength in vulnerability. Despite merely involving an openness in emotions and beliefs and the cultivation of empathy and compassion, such a concept is typically invalidated or urged to be hidden.

 

Instead of practicing this sense of openness, people are typically encouraged to put up a font to protect their peace while shaming any manifestation of such expression. This creates an ironic relationship between people’s desire to be seen and their inability or fear of doing so. While there are indeed disadvantages to being vulnerable, the pros outweigh the cons in this situation.

 

Vulnerability Is a Natural Part of Life

 

With the enduring misconception around it, people pretend to reduce how much they care and minimize reactions. They parade around with their masks on, having already mastered the art of denial, in fear that doing the contrary will put them at the center of ridicule.

 

People understand the normalcy of vulnerability.
 

 

 

But because society has influenced their perception of It, they have developed a guarded approach toward life. Now, they’ve learned to fear vulnerability. They do so not because of its apparent risks but because of how it’s being perceived. Its growing relations to shame often justified people’s decision to conceal vulnerability.

 

However, in a world where facades are common, authors and counselors David and Beverly Sedlacek highlight the strength in vulnerability. Like a minute fraction, they have viewed it as a tool for a transformative life, a consequential factor in healing.

 

Why Is Vulnerability Not a Weakness?

 

There is power in bearing one’s truth and beauty in honesty. These come with the realization that there must also be strength in vulnerability.

 

Yes, it’s often seen as a weakness.

 

Crying and pouring one’s heart out portrays people as being too soft and easily overpowered by life, but in reality, this shows strength in one’s character. Think of it this way: When people are vulnerable, they admit to having weaknesses—not everybody does that. Hence, not only are they rising above others, but they’re also showing how comfortable they are with themselves, an excellent show of character.

 

Vulnerability is authenticity, and there’s nothing more profound and beautiful than being honest about one’s feelings and thoughts. There’s nothing wrong with admitting that there are uncontrollable outcomes. Yet consciously choosing to push despite shows the strength in vulnerability. Accepting that life can be difficult is the first step toward challenging it. It’s the first leap toward a more courageous approach in life.

 

Vulnerability isn’t a weakness because there is no strength without vulnerability.

 

This is among the virtues David and Beverly Sedlacek preach in their ministries. They remind people that before they can triumph in life, they must first show up and be seen. The process of appreciating strength in vulnerability will be tough, but through the couple’s guidance, it is attainable.

 

 

 

Paving the Way Toward Healthy Vulnerability

 

Under their ministries, the couple provides a safe space for people to share their truths and be open to their vulnerabilities. Through their ministry and books, the couple has urged their followers to practice transparency and vulnerability. They heartened these individuals to be open to showing who they truly are—grieving, hurting, and all.

 

Cleansing the Sanctuary of the Heart is a book about trauma treatment by Beverly and David Sedlacek. The material documents stories of people who’ve hit rock bottom, experiencing agony and distress of abuse. A book of triumph and inspiration, it also showcases how these stories found their happy endings as people healed despite what they’ve faced. David and Beverly offer insightful and practical advice about healing and embracing life, one of which highlights the strength in vulnerability.

 

Instead of feeding the perception that people are most protected when they hide themselves, the couple urged their readers to share. There may be a risk of being shamed, but it releases them from their burdens.

 

The couple persuades people to let go of beliefs that no longer serve them. They encourage everyone to change their perception of vulnerability. See it as a birthplace of love and a path to feeling worthy. Vulnerability isn’t shameful. It’s hiding what people are feeling that’s more painful.

 

If you want to free yourself and expose your shadows, grab a copy of David & Beverly Sedlacek’s Cleansing the Sanctuary of the Heart.