Embracing Vulnerability in WidowhoodSample

Over the last 4 days, we have looked at stories throughout the Bible with teachings about vulnerability. It is not a coincidence that God used stories in both the Old and New Testaments to show that people need people.

As a widow, vulnerability is often something that we fight against. We want to appear strong and capable. We don’t want others to see our hurt and pain because we are afraid. We are afraid it will be too much for them. We are afraid they won’t want us in their lives, especially if we are honest about how much pain and grief we face.

The devil wants us to be isolated. He wants us to stay lonely and not have community. He wants us to stay in our pain and believe that no one cares, but he will not win this fight. We have a God that is greater and stronger. We have a God who cares and wants to see healing in our lives. We have a God who wants us to share our story, all the parts, both ugly and beautiful. He wants our lives to be a reflection of things that are broken being put back together in only the way that a God who loves us can do.

Being vulnerable is not easy. In fact, it can be quite terrifying. Most of us don’t like crying in front of others and we don’t want to burden anyone, but God has compelled us to come to Him, share our pain with Him, and also share our pain with others and grow through this journey.

We hope that as you have studied these stories of the Bible and heard from widows who understand vulnerability through their grief, you will be compelled to do the same. You will know that God wants to restore you and He wants you to find healing in this journey. He wants to set the lonely in families and He wants you to bring your burdens and pain to Him and those He has placed in your life. Healing can be beautiful, but it takes vulnerability to heal, so please find those people you trust and can share with and trust in God’s plan and purpose for your life. He isn’t done with you!