There is hope for our world. There is hope for our world. There is hope for our world.
I witnessed this in action as I was present for our youngest son’s return from his second time at a Kairos (definition: a propitious moment for decision or action ) Retreat. Students at my son’s school typically attend (or are able to attend, some choose to not go) his/her junior year. Last year he did, and then applied to be a Senior rector/leader. This is a faith-based retreat, and yes, my son attends a Catholic school, but my post is not to convert anyone to Catholicism (sorry my fellow Catholic peeps) but rather to attest to the power of vulnerability.
At the end of the retreat, students are met in the school’s auditorium, in an emotional and triumphant coming home reception (that is mostly held as a surprise somehow to students year after year after year) by their parents and siblings. One by one, many of the students and rectors/leaders and adult leaders step up to the podium and give a short (some not so short) reflection on what the time spent on the Kairos retreat meant to him/her. While I WAS not surprised by many of the students reflections on it leading them closer to their relationship with God, what I was pleasantly surprised by was the recurring theme of …wait for it…..
V-U-L-N-E-R-A-B-I-L-I-T-Y!!!!!!
Being vulnerable. Over and over and over again, no less than a dozen times (I stopped counting) students stood up, in front of their peers, their parents, faculty and staff…and professed the power of being vulnerable. 16, 17 & 18 year olds. Boys and girls! Bravely stood up in front of everyone and discussed the power- the connection- the support that only shows up when we are BRAVE enough to be vulnerable. Brene Brown would’ve been so proud!
For those of you old enough to have seen “Breakfast Club” or just hip enough to be a fan of the iconic 80s genre movies, think the scene when the group is sitting down in a circle (post smoking some illicit substance, hey…it happened in the movie!) and talking about why they were in detention. Not the actual event that got each of them in detention, but the real, the raw, the “story” behind the detention…THAT is vulnerability! That is what we all witnessed last night. It was teens at their absolute best!
I watch the news, although I try desperately to limit my exposure as it is predominately negative and awful and alarming. However, one can’t help but be aware of the tragedy that feels like it is literally everywhere, from our current political landscape, to human trafficking, to outbreaks in once eradicated illnesses, to fires in Australia, to Global Warming to…..to…to…. It is all horrifying and scary and to some degree paralyses us in fear.
But last night…. in the eyes of these youthful- beautiful souls…I saw IT! HOPE! I saw hope and light in each of these young people.
For many of us, as we age, we become complacent and stuck in our own ways. We get stuck in our bubbles, and forget that we are ALL here to serve each other. We are ALL connected. For those of us who have studied positive psychology, we know that human connection is necessary for peace and joy and happiness in one’s life. Authentic human connection, and with that connection the ability to be vulnerable with others is a necessary component.
But not EVERYONE deserves to hear our story. Not everyone has earned that right to hear our story. So we practice, and we choose carefully. Here are some thoughts for you as you practice this in your own life. These kids got the power and importance of practicing this, you can too!
- Sometimes those we choose, betray us. Don’t let their actions define your future actions. We need others who love us JUST AS WE ARE. And trust me, there are others who will, and who do. You are ENOUGH exactly how you are, go find others who agree with me!
- Vulnerability is a two-way street. The space needed for this practice takes effort on both the person sharing, and the person/s holding that space. Simply put, that is what you are doing…Holding the space. The person does not need to hear how you have had it worse, or shame (God knows, none of us on this planet need more of that!), advice, or anything more than I hear you. I got you. And you…are loved.
I read this quote years ago…simply put “You are perfectly imperfect” and as I watched each of these Generation Z kids walk up to the podium, or embrace others who did, or cheer on those who were clearly stumbling on their words or crying…like the ugly tears we all try to hide in the dark…. I saw this in action and I was in tears. We all were, I think (or those of us who weren’t glued to our phones, which sadly, yes…this happened even here, but that’s a story for another time…) and in those moments….. I felt….
H-O-P-E!!!!!
Wishing you all peace in your day as your read this post, and the COURAGE to be VULNERABLE and the blessing to find someone who deserves to hear your story. And hope you are comforted in knowing, even if you are feeling hopeless or uninspired, there is an amazing generation coming up that are ready, and CAPABLE of changing our world for good!
(IMPORTANT UPDATE! I am in the process of converting my blog to a fancier/more spruced up version. If you haven’t subscribed via email, please do so to follow and be added to the new site. I will also be posting some reminders in the next few weeks as I make the transition. )
peaceinthejourney 