A Call for Vulnerability, Part 3
In part one of our three-part series on vulnerability, we covered what exposure looks like in day-to-day life. In part two we discussed how openness is needed to create a lasting connection, especially within romantic relationships. In the final article of this series, we explore what vulnerability looks like through the eyes of Christ.
Learning to love as Jesus loves requires incredible courage. He demonstrated vulnerability at its maximum through His improbable broken heart in the Garden of Gethsemane, his weakened body on the journey to Calvary, and his cruel death on the Cross. Was this supreme act of love weak? On the contrary, it was the bravest demonstration of love that the world has ever known. And we, though broken and bruised by shattered relationships and tired souls, must continue to say yes to the journey onward towards vulnerability. Remembering that when we grow with those closest to us, it brings peace to our hearts, and the most authentic example of vulnerability comes through.
Let us ask ourselves if we are willing to take the risk of being disregarded, rejected, and ridiculed – all for the sake of loving another. Suppose love is worth the risk, as it invariably always is. In that case, we must choose to become vulnerable and allow Jesus to break open our hearts, reveal our wounds, exposing them to the possibility of heartbreak, non-acceptance, and pain but also the chance of embracing and transformation.
A Call for Vulnerability, Part 2 of 3
In part one of our vulnerability series, we discussed what it means to be vulnerable and all of the ways it can add grace into our lives. If you haven't had a chance to read it yet, take a look at it here, then hop back over to join the discussion on being vulnerable and how it can impact our interaction with others. In part two, we discuss the most profound form of vulnerability; being open to others and letting our relationships experience the joys and sorrows that come from being available to love!
In romantic relationships, couples experience two strong differing emotions that seem to be at the core of the dilemma of vulnerability: love and pain. While hardship may be part of the equation, vulnerability also stems from love, joy, and acceptance, all of which are essential parts of the human experience. Healthy, intimate relationships are what give our lives happiness, meaning, and purpose. In contrast, social isolation and closing our hearts puts us at risk for psychological and physical issues such as depression and disease. Love is a choice, and like all things in life, it requires courage.
A Call for Vulnerability, Part 1 of 3
Have you ever caught yourself in a moment of utter despair, pain, and loss? What did you do to pull through? Often, when we find ourselves going through difficult times in life, we cling and seek resources to help guide us through. What if I told you the answer to overcoming that hardship is diving deeper into what led you to that suffering in the first place?
Come Holy Spirit
“All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer.” -Acts 1:14
As we complete our Holy Spirit Novena, it is a great time to celebrate this Liturgical day along with exploring what a Novena is and how this ancient form of prayer connects to Pentecost Sunday.
Novenas have enriched my life in so many unique ways. From my very first Novena said many years ago to St. Thérèse of Lisieux to recently completing nine days of nine-hour novenas to St. Expeditus, my love of this traditional prayer has grown exponentially.
Seasons
What season do you currently find yourself in? Much like the weather, there is a variety of circumstance changes that lead to different outcomes. The many seasons can include a season of waiting, a season of silence, a season of confusion, and a season of answers.
What can we learn from looking at the changing patterns of the earthly seasons compared to our lives?
Radiant faces
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord”
Exodus 34:29
For forty days and forty nights on that mountain, Moses did not eat or drink, proving that man does not live on bread alone.
Do you believe that?
Mother of Fair Love
February 14th - it’s probably the best day of the year. For those of you who are single with zero V-day plans what-so-ever you're probably saying "What is this girl thinking?" ... but please hear me out.
Hand it Over
You poured everything you had into loving someone – a friend, a boyfriend or girlfriend, a sibling, a child, a parent, a stranger. And now you’re disappointed. Because it didn’t “work.”
We need to stop and ask ourselves why we think that – why we think that it didn’t “work.”
What was your love supposed to do?
Be The light
Thanksgiving is always a favorite time of year for me. While most are excited about heading home to spend some much-needed time with family and friends, or eating all of the excellent food, the detail that means the most to me is that we get one day where the focus is entirely on one thing - GRATITUDE.
grat·i·tude /ˈɡradəˌt(y)o͞od/ - the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
How are you doing, really?
“How are you doing?”
This phrase is my knee-jerk greeting when starting to speak with someone. We greet our friends with a “how are you?” so freely and easily in order to connect, catch up, and begin dialogue. It is our culture’s conversation starter. This question often leads to how work, family, spouse, kids, school, the weather are going. Sometimes, the question leads to how the person really is doing and you share in a special, vulnerable, or celebratory connection.
But when was the last time you asked yourself…How am I REALLY doing?
Be Not Afraid
The week we were leaving, I was scared out of my mind. I tend to get really anxious and worked up, so I went to Adoration to let it all out and pray for protection.
As I was sitting in my parish’s Adoration chapel, I looked up and I saw the words painted behind the monstrance - Be not afraid, follow me. I had seen those words on the wall for years, but on that day it was like they jumped off the wall. I even felt the Lord continue, “Follow me to Poland.”
Hail Mary, Gentle Mother
"Take a deep breath, really hold it, allow the breath to travel from your nose to the bottom of your chest, Marissa... take a deep breath, MARISSA.. are you breathing?" I think to myself.
Isn't it funny how the most straightforward act can be so challenging to do?
Nathan Crankfield's blog, Mama's boy, on building a relationship with the Blessed Virgin Mary, prompted this reflection.
self love, and all the extras
It is challenging to scroll through Instagram or flip through a magazine in 2020 without continually hearing the phrase self-love. Not saying anything with "loving yourself" is wrong, but in a "Me" based society that puts the sense of self before "we," is it really conducive to promote a world that encourages to love yourself even more?
Loving yourself can mean different things to different people. Some reserve their Sundays for quiet time and meditation, while for others, this “self-love" mentality is used as motivation to buy themselves that extra handbag or indulging on the second scoop of ice cream.
But if we really took a step back and paused, we would ask ourselves, where does "self-love" really come from?
Sit with me
I know they judge me.
I know you think they judge you too.
This one is for those who feel like they don’t belong. This is to the people who feel unseen, unworthy, and unloved. This is for those of you who feel as though you are not enough to be a part of the Church because you don’t “look the part” or “fit the mold.”
When You’ve Already Had a Conversion, and you make mistakes
When I was a freshman in college, I was realizing how close God actually was to me, and that He actually wanted to move in my life. I had come off of a summer working on mission at a summer camp, and I was READY for revival.
And, it got kind of unhealthy.