I’ve been there for others in their time of need and now, when I am at a low point, it has been pointed out to me that I am not measuring up, I’ve changed. Maybe not in those exact words, but similarly stated. My "change" has not been out of ill-will, but instead from my own need to re-charge. I am not some superhuman force and just as I was thinking that there was something wrong with my perception, I came across this sentence, from "The Lazarus Life" by Stephen W. Smith.
"Study might be a part of community, but vulnerability is an even more important part. Vulnerability means a certain kind of soul nakedness."
What Steve is referring to is the Biblical story of Lazarus as he is being transformed from death back to life. I highly recommend you read the story, but to cut to the chase, Jesus shows up, after His buddy, Lazarus dies. Oh, and by the way, He (Jesus) was purposely late! Anyway, He shows up and is at the tomb of His friend, when He performs a miracle, asking Lazarus to come forth. (In today’s vernacular – get up and c’mon down!). Lazarus comes from the depths of the tomb, more or less mummified, he’s been in there a couple of days and he’s been wrapped up! Now, as the story goes, Jesus did the miracle (raising Lazarus from the dead), but He expects us to do the things we can do (unwrap Lazarus from the mummifying cloths). Did I mention, because Lazarus had been dead a few days, he was stinky?
What I absolutely love about Steve’s book is that he can take the grave clothes of Lazarus and make me see that the vulnerabilities I’m facing are similar. The things that cause me to feel shame, fear rejection, or doubt my self-worth are every bit as unpleasant as unwrapping a body that has been decomposing. The question then becomes, who do I trust enough to gently and lovingly help me unwrap the areas of my life that keep me from being all that God has met for me to be? And that, is the dirty business of unwrapping life’s problems within our communities.
In essence, I have finally figured out a huge piece of MY puzzle and it has everything to do with how I relate to others. The better my relationship is with someone, the more honest the vulnerability factor. Scary stuff! I never "push" people into opening up, because for the most part, people are afraid to be that open. I have seen first hand those who "want" a close relationship and yet hide behind masks, not comprehending that their fear is what holds them back from a more meaningful one. I have had people tell me on different occasions that they never share everything about themselves for whatever reasons and that’s fine, if that is the way they feel. Unfortunately, it can and does affect the relationship. My strongest and closest friendships are with people who are willing to honor me with the acceptance of my vulnerabilities. The key being that it is in the sharing of each other’s vulnerabilities. As Steve writes "Oh, for such a friend." And he absolutely nails it!
He goes on to say that "we each bring something to our relationships that hinders us. Yet, we set high standards for others and "arrive" (name a place) with expectations that often lead to disappointment. Over the years we develop a long litany of disappointments with people." Can you think of anyone who has disappointed you? Are you a disappointment to anyone? At this point, I know I am! I even know why and it has to do with the perception of standards set for me.
This made me take my blinders off. What do I want? And it isn’t just a selfish question and to boot, I don’t know that anyone has ever asked me that?!! In essence, I want to be loved the way I love others. I don’t want to conform to anyone else’s set of rigid standards, but instead want to share (key word there) and enjoy life with those I love. I want less schedules and more spontaneity and if that sounds irresponsible then I guess I won’t be spontaneous with whomever is thinking that. Instead of looking for all the wrongs of something, let’s instead look for the rights. I want deep, honest and soul-filled relationships with those willing to share the nurturing duties. I can’t do one-sided anymore, unfortunately, I’ve reached the burn-out stage.
Looking up!
Barb
"Study might be a part of community, but vulnerability is an even more important part. Vulnerability means a certain kind of soul nakedness."
What Steve is referring to is the Biblical story of Lazarus as he is being transformed from death back to life. I highly recommend you read the story, but to cut to the chase, Jesus shows up, after His buddy, Lazarus dies. Oh, and by the way, He (Jesus) was purposely late! Anyway, He shows up and is at the tomb of His friend, when He performs a miracle, asking Lazarus to come forth. (In today’s vernacular – get up and c’mon down!). Lazarus comes from the depths of the tomb, more or less mummified, he’s been in there a couple of days and he’s been wrapped up! Now, as the story goes, Jesus did the miracle (raising Lazarus from the dead), but He expects us to do the things we can do (unwrap Lazarus from the mummifying cloths). Did I mention, because Lazarus had been dead a few days, he was stinky?
What I absolutely love about Steve’s book is that he can take the grave clothes of Lazarus and make me see that the vulnerabilities I’m facing are similar. The things that cause me to feel shame, fear rejection, or doubt my self-worth are every bit as unpleasant as unwrapping a body that has been decomposing. The question then becomes, who do I trust enough to gently and lovingly help me unwrap the areas of my life that keep me from being all that God has met for me to be? And that, is the dirty business of unwrapping life’s problems within our communities.
In essence, I have finally figured out a huge piece of MY puzzle and it has everything to do with how I relate to others. The better my relationship is with someone, the more honest the vulnerability factor. Scary stuff! I never "push" people into opening up, because for the most part, people are afraid to be that open. I have seen first hand those who "want" a close relationship and yet hide behind masks, not comprehending that their fear is what holds them back from a more meaningful one. I have had people tell me on different occasions that they never share everything about themselves for whatever reasons and that’s fine, if that is the way they feel. Unfortunately, it can and does affect the relationship. My strongest and closest friendships are with people who are willing to honor me with the acceptance of my vulnerabilities. The key being that it is in the sharing of each other’s vulnerabilities. As Steve writes "Oh, for such a friend." And he absolutely nails it!
He goes on to say that "we each bring something to our relationships that hinders us. Yet, we set high standards for others and "arrive" (name a place) with expectations that often lead to disappointment. Over the years we develop a long litany of disappointments with people." Can you think of anyone who has disappointed you? Are you a disappointment to anyone? At this point, I know I am! I even know why and it has to do with the perception of standards set for me.
This made me take my blinders off. What do I want? And it isn’t just a selfish question and to boot, I don’t know that anyone has ever asked me that?!! In essence, I want to be loved the way I love others. I don’t want to conform to anyone else’s set of rigid standards, but instead want to share (key word there) and enjoy life with those I love. I want less schedules and more spontaneity and if that sounds irresponsible then I guess I won’t be spontaneous with whomever is thinking that. Instead of looking for all the wrongs of something, let’s instead look for the rights. I want deep, honest and soul-filled relationships with those willing to share the nurturing duties. I can’t do one-sided anymore, unfortunately, I’ve reached the burn-out stage.
Looking up!
Barb
