How Vulnerability Helps Create a Sense of Community

I’m writing today to share a quick story that explains how vulnerability helps create a sense of community. Opening up can be hard but it fosters intimacy like nothing else. Community isn’t just a good idea, it’s a necessity for a happy life! This week I decided that I wanted my readers to feel more connected to me so in a newsletter I shared a personal story.

I was blown away by the feedback!

I believe that God can use a story to make an impact or just open our eyes to something that can bring about positive change. The next time you get a revelation or experience some kind of breakthrough, share it with someone! Even if you think it’s not a big deal, if you feel Him leading you to share, trust Him and do it! You never know the impact it could have.

Here’s a copy of the newsletter in case you missed it.

The Warrior Bride Newsletter November 21, 2019

Before you get too busy prepping your home for Thanksgiving, I wanted to give you a little food for thought. A quick tip that could shift the way you see your everyday life and help create contentment. 

Recently, my husband Mike had to go out of town for a week. For the first couple of days I missed him but in a, “I miss him being here” kind of way. As the days went on I realized that I missed so many things. Little things like making his breakfast, our nightly routine of watching an episode of Seinfeld and even things that I sometimes consider annoying like wiping his beard trimmings off the sink. By the time he was in the air on his way home, I was literally heartsick. That night we stayed up late talking and smiling at each other, so happy to be together again. The next morning while making our bed, I smiled so big, genuinely happy that his side was messed up! 

 It got me thinking and I know I’m not alone here. In today’s culture, we’re always looking forward to the next big thing and if you’re like me, the things we look forward to, like date nights and vacations are rare, very few and far between. So while we’re waiting for the ‘special’ things, we’re missing out on the gifts inside the everyday. We have 365 days every year to enjoy our lives and the people in it but life is short!

I don’t know about you but I don’t want to arrive at the end and realize that I didn’t truly appreciate the life and the people I was given. If we can adjust our perspective just a little, it won’t take long to realize how blessed we are and being grateful is the key to being content. 

Does this resonate with you? I’d love to hear what everyday thing you’re thankful for. And if it’s connected to a person, be sure to tell them! Mike loved it when I voiced the things I love about our everyday life. 

I’ll go first. One thing I’m thankful for is YOU! You probably don’t realize how much I appreciate the space you give me to share and speak into your life but it really means so much! Until next time, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!  

Her Vulnerability Had Me in Tears

One response, in particular, has me so choked up right now. A precious lady friend of mine wrote to tell me her story of cherishing the everyday. She lost her husband after being married for only six years. My heart sunk when I read her words. But you know, she has no regrets because she lived her life with him to the fullest.

What she shared took the truth of what God showed me about thankfulness to a much deeper level. Here’s one of the nuggets she shared with me.

“Polly as you said, spend as much time just doing the little things with one another that you can.  Love one another, laugh, tell jokes, play, make love and enjoy your lives because everything else pales in comparison to being with someone you love.”

Is this hitting you the way it hit me? I mean, wow, I can’t explain how her words touched my heart! I want to live my life with no regrets so I will absolutely take her advice!

Relationship Always Involves Risks

It’s really amazing what happens when we take the chance to be real with people. It’s hard sometimes putting the protective guard down but when we do and then give something away, it feels so good. And if we’re lucky like I was, we get something even better in return. Is it easy? Nope! But honestly, risk always exists when it comes to vulnerability. When the risk pays off though, you’ll be so glad you did it! I had no idea that what I considered to be a simple truth would have such an impact!

When God gives us revelation on something, of course, it’s for our benefit but if we keep it to ourselves it stays small. When we share, it has a ripple effect and I don’t think we’ll ever know just how far it goes.

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples” -Mother Teresa

It’s all about planting seeds. It’s our job to plant them and God’s job to water, nurture and then cause them to grow. Never underestimate the power of vulnerability!

Now It’s Your Turn!

Let’s make this space a place where everyone feels safe to share from their hearts. Will you share with us in the comments a story of when you being vulnerable opened the door to intimacy and community? Sharing your story might help someone else to be brave and do the same!