Vulnerability

 I am in the process of completing a Death, Dying and Bereavement Certificate through Wilfred Laurier University. I felt that if I truly want to be able to help others in this particular field that I should do some formal learning to complement my lived experience. And, I am learning a lot with this course. However, I would have to say that I have learned the most from other participants who have made themselves vulnerable in sharing their own lived experiences. I find myself contemplating this truth; that we gain the most profound learning from the walking wounded willing to take the risk of uncovering the rawness of their pain. It's a scary endeavour to expose ourselves in order to help others understand. It reminds me of the verse in 1 Corinthians 12: 9, "But he said to me, 'my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' " It assures me that God will use me in my most defenceless moments and that letting myself be vulnerable in sharing the truth of grief allows God's strength to prevail.