Throughout the month of March, we’ll be exploring the theme of Vulnerability. It seems
appropriate that we’ll be delving into some challenging territory here and there—some
content that might make us feel a little bit defensive.
I don’t know about you, but when I feel defensive, it is usually because I feel vulnerable
and I don’t like it. It’s easy to forget that vulnerability is a kind of super power.
Sometimes it isn’t very pleasant to feel vulnerable. In our bodies, vulnerability might
mean the same thing as unsafe. Or threatened.
So, we’re going to start off the month of March with a reminder that we have a
community to uphold us and help us be brave when we feel unsafe. And we’re going to
acknowledge that being connected to that kind of community also requires us to be
vulnerable.
What I mean is, if I just go on the defensive when I feel vulnerable, I don’t give people
much of an opportunity to care for me. When I try to defend myself, I often wind up
“protecting myself” from the very people from whom I want to feel love and support. In
order to give other people a chance to offer me a sense of community, I have to be
vulnerable enough to let people community know, “I’m feeling some kind of way right
now.” And then trust them to respond in a way that provides care.
We’ll learn a little more about that kind of community connection on March 12, as we
consider the vulnerability of building the multicultural Beloved Community to which
we’ve committed ourselves in affirming the 8 th Principle. That topic will carry over into
more personal conversations over a delicious meal together.
Then, on March 19, we’ll gain a vulnerable glimpse into the lives of some of our senior
high community members. I hope we will affirm and appreciate their willingness to share
of themselves and their journeys. We might also gain some perspective about how
we—as a community and as individuals—influence those journeys.
On March 26, we’ll wrap up our theme of Vulnerability with a service exploring the
proposed revisions to Article II of the UUA Bylaws. We’ll also be scheduling a few
opportunities for congregants to have conversations with one another ahead of that
service, so please check your newsletters and plan to connect as you’re available.
As we envision the kind of community where we can bring our authentic selves forward
and genuinely know one another, may we remember to invite our vulnerability as a path
to deeper connection. And may we remember to offer acceptance when we see others
allowing their vulnerability to shine through. If we are able to do those things, we just
may co-create that safe and brave space that nurtures greater wholeness and well-
being for us and everyone around us.