Outfit: Sweater – Nordstrom// Knit top – Anthropologie// Necklace – Three Sister’s Jewelry
Last week I talked about being BOLD.
Stepping out of my comfort zone…. being there for others in bigger ways.
I want to put aside selfish fears and move towards being a more Godly woman.
If only this new trait that I’m praying for came more naturally.
What I realized over the last week is that boldness walks alongside another part of my life that holds me back.
Being vulnerable.
Ugh… can you tell me why this word is every bit as big as it sounds?
Vulnerable – the act of opening up of oneself to another person and allowing them to speak into their life.
Part of what God’s teaching me this year is laying down my pride and being open to sharing pieces of myself that I normally wouldn’t.
I don’t talk a lot about my parents divorce.
I don’t talk a lot about being engaged at 19.
I don’t talk about all my short comings… because in my mind they are just that…
Shortcomings.
Reasons for you to wonder if I’m the kind of person you’d want to be friends with.
Vulnerability brings out my insecurities.
And I hate feeling insecure.
So I keep those secrets at bay… far enough in my past that they are just that…my past.
Yet how can I allow God to use me, if I don’t see these “shortcomings” as part of my story?
Is it fair to expect God to use me in big ways, yet hold back when he asks me to share?
So I guess I’m a work in progress…
And this week I’m not just stepping out in Boldness, I’m also stepping into Vulnerability.
So watch out folks, because there more of my story still to come.
I hope you’ll continue to journey with me.
And just so you know…. I want to hear your story too.
It’s been on my heart this week to start a series called “On my Heart.”
One where we can uplift and encourage one another because it’s so important.
Tomorrow I’m excited for my first friend to share. Please come back and leave her some words of encouragement and love.
I love you!
I’m linking up with The Pleated Poppy and Momma Go Round
Elisha(: says
I love that shirt!!!
Samantha says
I absolutely adore your outfit. The bold gold is so wonderful!!
Jill says
It is so hard to know what parts of our story are valuable, isn’t it? So much I would like to forget and move on from and just be new. And yes, while I believe we should live as new creations, the story that brought us to where we are today is every bit as real as today. I will be praying for you as you seek God’s guidance in figuring out what and how He wants you to share your part of His big story!
Kate says
I struggle with vulnerability. In fact, after twelve years of being together – Jesse just mentioned that this was the first year he really remembers me being truly vulnerable with him. AND HE’S MY HUSBAND. So I can sympathize and agree – if you are going to be BOLD you have to be VULNERABLE. I love the idea of your new series. Thanks for sharing…
Kassi @ Truly Lovely says
You’re awesome! I really enjoy hearing your story and then feeling comfortable enough to comment with pieces of mine! Thanks for that friend!
Bree says
Its hard because we don’t want others to think we are weak. At least that’s how it is for me. I know eventually I will be able to help others with different things that have happened in my life as an example. Can’t wait to read this series this week!
Kristina Gulino says
It is very difficult to be vulnerable, but at the same time, I only think it’s hard because nobody embraces it as much as they should. Being brave and taking hold of the things God wants for us are huge, and I know being vulnerable is a big part of that! You go girl.
Kristina
Nook & Sea
Cassie @ Live.Laugh.L0ve. says
I love this post and completely agree – being vulnerable is so hard. I can’t wait to read more of your story – what made you who you are today! 🙂
Rebecca of "Rebecca Rejoices" says
I caught a friend gossiping about me about 5 years ago. We stopped being friends. But then, via a looooooong story involving God, we found ourselves feeling called to write a devotional about gossip…from both perspectives! We’re nearly done, but talk about vulnerable…you learn so much by submitting yourself to hear the other side of a story that you thought only had one “true” side!
So excited to have found this website tonight. Following along!
Bobbi says
How true your words are.
Mindie says
You look great. Being vulnerable is hard. But it looks like you are strong and putting yourself out there, just look at your great blog.
If you ever want another place to link to, join us at the Anything Goes linky at Bacon Time every fri-monday. I know I feel vulnerable and have not shared everything on my blog, things that might help others, but I am a work on progress and getting there with courage.
kristen duke photography says
yes, bold and vulnerable do unfortunately go together….love that long necklace you have, and the mustard complements your hair nicely.
Laura Ingalls Gunn says
Love and adore your outfit and enthusiasm! Thank you for providing such fashionable inspiration.
Have a well dressed day!
Brittany @ Love Stitched says
I LOVE that shirt! I have to find it! xoxo
chandra says
Love the yellow cardi! New to your blog and glad to have found your creative little spot on the web:D Happy Wednesday!
Baby Genie says
I love your striped top, you look gorgeous
Allyson says
What a sweet honest post. I just cam over from The Life of a Wife, and I am definitely going to be a new follower. Thank you so much for sharing with us!
Allyson
http://cupcakescandycanes.blogspot.com
Anna says
Stumbled upon your blog and love it from The first post. I’ve thought the same thing about vulnerability-there are a few topics I feel like the Lord wants me to write about on my blog, but I’m just not there yet. But, I have made an effort to be more open and authentic in some relationships, and it’s definitely given me a new level of friendships.
Looking forward to reading more! And getting to know you! I love new blog friends, 🙂
Amanda says
Super cute outfit, I’m a big fan of pairing up little sweaters with shirts. Very cute
http://littleladylittlecity.blogspot.com/
Lesley says
Thank you for sharing. I know about vulnerability, as I struggle with it, too. Just let it all out, even though I have a hard time doing it….
I love your outfit, very very cute!!
Rags to Stiches says
thank you so much friend.