When I dropped my books off at Prussian Street Arcade, I imagined going back into the store, picking them all up, hiding them in the trunk of my car, and acting like I had completed a robbery—except the robbery was my own books. Why do we get so anxious when we do something new? Or even when we become vulnerable with someone? It’s the craziest thing.
I did want to go inside and pick up my books, but instead, I sent this text message to a few friends that read:
“I had some minor anxiety afterward and wanted to run back to get them, but I went home instead.”
They all gave a few words of encouragement and congratulated me on not going back inside to pick them up, AKA robbing my own books.
At the end of the day, when we share something about ourselves or try something new, we are vulnerable.
Being vulnerable requires letting others in, which is scary and uncomfortable. Trying something new requires us to admit we are newbies at something terrifying, which is also being vulnerable. Being vulnerable allows others to see us and ask questions.
I am glad I was vulnerable with my book and shared the most gut-wrenching experience of my life, not because of me or wanting the world to know about my pain but because of the feedback I was given from others who found comfort and hope through my words and, ultimately, Jesus.
Here are a few words I received from others after they read my book:
“I can feel your pain and hope from your words. It’s an amazing book.”
“It’s so well written, and there are heart-to-heart conversations with God. You put words that sometimes are hard to speak.”
“Your book is very well written.”
So, the next time you struggle with vulnerability, I want you to think about how being vulnerable has helped you and will help you in the future. You never know if your vulnerability will help someone else or help yourself.
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Blessings,
Ashley Marie
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