I've been thinking a lot about yesterday's post - especially since I received a few very supportive comments about it - here and in other places. Thank you - you have inspired me.
When I first thought of doing a series of posts for Advent - I imagined a kind of photo a day, perhaps with an accompanying sentence, or a single image. Something festive, maybe, something quick, something easy. Haha - what did I know? Suddenly, here I am, sharing my spirituality and faith in a way I have never done before. It's not quite what I expected to happen. I have always been conscious that not everyone who reads this blog shares the same beliefs as I do, and for the last five years (oh yes), while I have tried to write authentically, I also hope I have never made anyone feel excluded. I am not in the habit of discussing politics, religion or airing my opinions on the topics of the day, in this space. So when I found myself actually talking openly about God, Jesus and Salvation, no one was more surprised than me.
As I hit the publish button, I was scared. I felt vulnerable, and still do. At first I was afraid of what everyone would think - that I would lose followers - that no-one would read it. The fear of rejection is very strong, especially for someone like me, who likes to fit in. But along with this vulnerability, I somehow felt safe enough to step outside my comfort zone.
The original meaning of comfort is to strengthen - and I trusted that God would comfort me as I took this first step. Advent is looking forward to the Birth of Jesus, the Saviour. If anyone knows about being vulnerable it is Him. Born into this world as a tiny helpless baby, already with a murderous king trying to kill him, and knowing the temptations he would face, the abuse and the torture he had to endure, for us. But he kept on walking - right up that hill, and right out of that tomb. As long as He is with me, I am safe to continue my journey.
I'm only getting to read these posts every couple of days, but I am deeply touched and encouraged by this series. Your writing is always such a gift to me.
ReplyDeleteOh - thank you Sarah - that is so kind and encouraging. Blessings to you all xxx
ReplyDeleteAnother great post, I am really enjoying your Advent Journey. Sharing spirituality is a vulnerable feeling, I appreciate you doing this, I myself have similar feelings, not wanting to alienate readers while remaining authentic. This post encourages me! Looking forward to reading more. :)
ReplyDeleteOh thank you April - it is quite scary, but i am glad to be doing it - it feels right for me just now xx
DeleteThank you for being brave enough to share. I'm receiving great blessing from your advent posts in what has become an overwhelmingly busy advent for me.
ReplyDeleteBlessings on you and your family.
Barbara x
I am glad, Barbara - I hope that you can find some moments of peace - it is such a busy time right now xxx
DeleteI totally agree with Sarah...I, too, am touched by your advent series. I also have tried to keep my faith and politics out of my blog. Maybe that has been a mistake. I wrote an Advent post last Sunday and will be posting another one tomorrow.....I'm hoping my photos speak for themselves. I look forward to your post each day !
ReplyDeleteHi Meggie - i am enjoying your advent photos - you do what feels right for you at the time, and a picture does speak volumes xx
DeleteYour Advent posts have each given me much to think about. I very much admire your way of expressing yourself in all of your blogs, but this Advent series of posts has been very powerful.
ReplyDeleteThey have encouraged me to think more deeply than I might have otherwise. Perhaps I am not so courageous as you are, and so do not reveal much about my spiritual thoughts in my own posts.
Nevertheless, I welcome the courage of others, and want you let you know that your words have been very helpful to me. I first visited your site to see the photographs of a place that I long to see for myself. And then, I realized that I also had been given access to a spiritual expression that I also treasured.
Many thanks. xo
Thanks, frances - this is new for me, and i have felt so encouraged by the response. Thank you, as always, for your supportive and gracious comments, and i am glad you are finding them useful xxx
DeleteYour advent posts are beautiful, you word things so beautifully, truly heartfelt and from within, that comes across so wonderfully. I'm really enjoying taking my advent journey along with you this year.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you are here too, Julie - thanks for the support xx
DeleteThis post on vulnerability hits everyone. You put it well. I am linking to your Advent post today.
ReplyDeleteThink how vulnerable Mary must have felt.
Push that publish button without hesitation. Always!
Lol, Nancy - thanks for that xx
DeleteI think it's great you are finding the courage to share your faith. Big hugs, xxx
ReplyDeleteAnd you too Tina - thank you xx
Delete..I have not been here for awhile, but I'm drawn today because of the title...and the season...that feeling of vulnerability is a healthy one, I'm sure...it draws the best out of us I think..
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas
Hi katy - I think there is something in that - we can draw strength from our vulnerability, if we can act on it.
Deletenice of you to pop in xxx
Just want to say that as you choose to share Jesus with people He will always strengthen you. He has promised that He will never leave you, never foresake you, and so you can know for sure that as you choose to step out in your vulnerability, even before you take that first step He is running to meet you and bless what you are doing. And what is more important, keeping followers, or risking it by choosing to allow Him to use you to maybe bring others nearer to a personal relationship with the King of kings? Well done, you are doing so well.
ReplyDeleteThank you Helen - I do hope by sharing that I can at least put the seed out there xx
DeleteNone of us really like to make ourselves vulnerable to others, do we? Thank you for sharing of yourself so freely and being willing to be vulnerable. There are many comments you have made over this series that have found me nodding my head in agreement.
ReplyDeleteMyra, from Winnipeg, Canada, where we are finally in a warming trend with temps reaching highs of minus 25C!! (I think Canadians must be hardy, like the Scottish people.)
Thank you Myra - nice of you to say hello I appreciate your lovely comment.. My sister is in Ottawa, a bit away from you. I think you are much more hardy than us - our temps never get that low!
DeleteThis was an important post for me to read. Thank you for writing this Advent journey, for being prepared to be vulnerable, and for sharing in such a sensitive way these life-giving truths. xxx
ReplyDeleteIt feels right to be doing this, Joanna. I am glad you are enjoying it xxx
Deletewhile my faith looks different from yours, i feel deeply honoured to share in your Advent journey and grateful to witness your vulnerability.
ReplyDeleteall roads lead Home, yes?
many blessings to you and yours....from a long-time reader/lurker...xoxo
Mel - how good to hear from you. Thanks for being here - I appreciate that. xx
DeleteA really beautiful and heartfelt post--thank you for your encouragement and this reminder. And thank you for your own vulnerability and courage in sharing your soul with the world (:
ReplyDeletep.s. i will share this truth about God's vulnerability with my daughter, who wrestles mightily with various fears... i know it will be a strengthening comfort to her.
ReplyDeleteThank you Annie - you are both in my prayers. x
DeleteI am one of your readers who doesn't share your religious beliefs, but your topics touch all of us, whatever our faiths. We all need to be reminded of these stepping stones to spiritual growth.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandra - hope all is well with you. x
DeleteI know that fear well, vulnerability is what makes us truly Human and admitting it opens the way for
ReplyDeleteGod to speak, I'm so encouraged by your blog and sharing what is personal and deep in your life, thank you.
Thank you Paul - I appreciate your words and support xx
DeleteThank you for sharing these little tidbits of your life with us. We will take you as you are. I am very much enjoying your beautiful insights.
ReplyDeleteI am glad, laurie - thank you xx
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