We often see and interpret vulnerability as a weakness. Terms like ‘exposed’, ‘uncovered’, and ‘bare’ don’t typically leave us with positive vibes.

Media outlets use these words to capture our attention, they tie them to other words and themes like ‘scandal’, or ‘outrageous’ to draw us in.

Interestingly, we don’t tend to see everything in that light. We don’t judge the rest of nature like that –  we don’t see the tree as weak, because while exposed and bare, we are still able to see its strength. Maybe it is only ourselves we apply this standard too? Maybe more often, to others.

John Frame says, “Because we want glory for ourselves, we seek to find fault in others.” Exposing the weaknesses & shortcomings of others serves to reduce their standing, and by default helps to elevate our own. It is the outcome of the survival of the fittest mentality, bent on publicly uncovering the sins of others for personal gain.

Culture, traditions, and experience place meaning on words that become deeply engrained in our thinking. Sometimes changing that narrative takes time.

But imagine if we didn’t use the ‘sins’ of others as a stepping stone to our own self-interest. Imagine if we didn’t make people feel ashamed or weak when they fail by spreading news of their shortcomings to others who have no ability or desire to help? Imagine if we looked for strength in people, even when their weakness is exposed?

One definition of the word ‘bare’ described it as ‘unembellished’. Not pretending to be more than what it is, not trying to hide what it isn’t – unembellished/humble. Nature encapsulates that, like a bare tree standing strong in the middle of a field – vulnerable yet strong, exposed but resilient.

A new narrative is possible, it just begins with me, and it begins with you.

Unembellished humanity; continuing to look for the strength in others, and ourselves, even when failure occurs. Because mistakes are not an indication of weakness, but a sign of our humanity. And strength is not found by pretending we are perfect, but in how we respond when getting back up, holding on, pushing through, letting go, fronting up, or bouncing back is needed the most.