[Vulnerability & Power - XIX]
Retreating and hiding is safe. It’s an admission of vulnerability, and at times is necessary. Coming out of hiding and intentionally making relational connections is unsafe. People hurt us. Sometimes intentionally, often unintentionally, but the wounds hurt the same.
Hiding is different than fortifying. Fortifying projects strength (eg 24 inch concrete walls in our bunker, literally or figuratively). It’s hiding without the admission of vulnerability. It’s false strength and therefor a lie. To reinforce the lie, we can surround ourself with a narrative that reaffirm it, gather data to corroborate it, and even create research studies that find the lie to be true beyond doubt.
Community is dangerous, but it’s our only hope at exposing the projections and the cloud of lies.
Leaning into community is truly courageous, not only because we must face vulnerability but because we subject our “bunkers” to the examination of others.
