Conservative Friend

Vulnerability – Is expressing in and through vulnerability the ultimate lesson of the Cross? Are Evangelicals so moved by this act of Jesus, because they can hear his Love in his going to so vulnerable a place as allowing himself to be crucified? This ultimate expression of Jesus’ humanity- the Passion. His dying demonstrated his similarity to us- his humanity. His courage to do so demonstrated his Love for us, and modeled human sacrifice, humility, vulnerability- for the sake of following God, even when the purpose and path is murky and very, very scary. Exposing ones weakness. Being open to the possibility of NOT being vindicated. God did not bring down fury from above and smite down Jesus’ oppressors. Jesus expired, nailed to a tree; and was taken down in obscurity. 2 millennium later, his vindication is still a matter of debate. How we model Jesus’ cross, how we follow Christ in humility and vulnerability remains largely obscure.

It is the humanity and sacrifice of Jesus that touches us. In the same way; our humanity, flaws, and the sacrifice of owning our human condition- can touch others and open hearts. When we can have the courage & sacrifice to expose those petty feelings, embarrassing emotions, and ridiculous flaws buried deep within ourselves; we are truly modeling our Savior, and opening our heart. This is the stuff of connection, community, and Body of Christ.

This is the season of birth. Of the first connections to the Light. May that tiny Light deep within us all, give us the strength to be childlike. To show ourselves to others as a child can and does. To revert to the innocence of our humanity before we obtained the knowledge of judgment & shame of our human condition. When everything made us joyful. Ho Ho Ho.