The Power of Grace: Embracing Vulnerability and Building Lasting Connections

I didn’t learn about International Women’s Day or Women’s History Month as a child. Growing up in a household where 5 of the 7 people living there were female, every day was Women’s Day. 

But it wasn’t just that. It went far beyond biology. 

I grew up with fantastic female role models, and male role models too! And I had no idea. I did not know how incredibly blessed I was to grow up in a home filled with love and stability, where it was never a question if we would eat that night, or if I felt safe in my home. I thought everyone had that. 

As an adult, I know better. I know what a powerful impact my mom had on 12-year-old-me, when she decided to return to school so she could start a new career in her mid-40s. I understand the confidence I felt that my dad would be waiting for me at the end of my 1,256 activities allowed me to fully experience all those activities could offer. I see how important it was to know I was loved, even if my parents didn’t always like what I did. I realize that my teachers encouraging me helped me believe I was smart and I could do good things. 

Not everyone is so lucky.

This morning I was talking to a friend who shared how her mother’s constant criticism growing up left her feeling insecure and incredibly shy. I recently lost a friend who never shared the incredible pain he was in, both physically and emotionally. When I learned of his struggles, I resolved to reach out to him even if he couldn’t reply, just to let him know I was thinking about and praying for him. I meant to text him that day but I got distracted and by the time I remembered it was late. “I’ll do it tomorrow,” I thought. He died that night. 

I hope he knew I cared. 

Thinking about all the incredible people in my life has made me reflect on the significant impact they’ve had (and continue to have) on me. It’s also made me wonder, how can I (and you) be that loving presence for someone else that is so natural, so constant, that they take us for granted? How can I/we build each other up so much that we don’t have to send texts saying I’m thinking about you because they already know? 

I don’t think we can. Not on our own anyway. 

I believe the only way this is possible is with and through grace - that undeserved gift God showers upon us. Sometimes we know it’s there, sometimes we don’t. On occasion I can  recognize the gift of grace when I’m able to share from a place of vulnerability and allow someone to see what’s going on inside of me, like my friend who shared about the effects of her childhood. It can be difficult, often terrifying if I’m being honest, but on the rare occasions when I allow myself to be open, I let others in, I give them the opportunity to help, to participate, to truly be in my life. And that is something worth celebrating.