The Power of Vulnerability in Mental Health Healing

Historically, vulnerability has been often seen as a weakness, but in the context of mental health, it can be a powerful tool for healing. Vulnerability allows us to connect authentically with one another and truly express our feelings, while also lessening the stigma of seeking support. The trust that can be strengthened by confiding in someone honestly and without judgement can be such a life-changing holy moment.

Matthew 11:28-30 says it best:  "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Jesus invites everyone to come to him. When we feel the pressure from the outside world. All the anxieties to do and be a certain way, Jesus says, "Come to me and find rest." There is a calm and peace that is indescribable when we call upon the Lord for guidance. When we lift shame and tear down the walls of armor and become our vulnerable and authentic selves. When we decide that showing up exactly as we are is enough.

In addition, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

I used to believe that being a believer meant that nothing bad ever happened to you. Everything would be rose-colored and everyone who was a believer "had it made." I would find myself in conversations with other believers, in which we could say, "if there is a God, why did (insert negative event) happen?" I'll be honest, for a long time, that question weighed on my heart. I struggled significantly with it. "If there was a God, why did I have to endure aversive childhood trauma? addiction? eating disorder? death?"

As I got older and more involved in the Word, I realized that it's these moments that strengthen my faith in God. Had these things not occurred in my life and I was led by a Father to overcome, I would not be here today. I would not be telling my story to so many people helping in the vulnerable healing process. I called upon God when I was in active addiction. I called upon God when I had to work through my trauma. I called upon God when what I was doing was not getting me anywhere in life. It was only regressing me back and taking me to a dark place. I call upon God every day because I am not led by my own strength. I am led by Him. I realized that with God, all things are possible. I also realized that when I thought I was weak, I actually came out stronger than ever because God is within me, I cannot fail.

So, how exactly has this vulnerability helped me in the healing process?

• I actively practice self-compassion.

  • I have to intentionally be kind to myself and acknowledge my feelings without judgment. Just a like a river with leaves, the leaves come and go, just like my thoughts. I let them go. I acknowledge them and move on.

    
    

• I actively seek support.

  • For the past 8 years, I have had weekly appointments with my licensed therapist to discuss hardships, as well as the tools and skills to help overcome those hardships. I also regularly take my prescribed medication for anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. Again, I realized I was not held by my own strength and God was telling me that I needed more support. I have an amazing partner in life who I can call on to help me when I feel stuck, and I have an incredible sober support network who are there at a moment's notice. Seek healthy support.

    
    

• I read by Bible daily & I pray all day every day.

  • It's amazing what happens when I lose myself in the word of God. I am always in awe and wonder when I read my Bible. I take some time each day to just sit in the silience of the Holy Spirit and feel it work through me, while I ask God for guidance on what's weighing on my heart. I love that we serve a God who allows us to pour our hearts out to him and that He already knows the outcome. I find all the peace in rest in my God.

    
    

• I intentionally practice gratitude.

  • When my feet hit the floor, I am thankful for a new day. It doesn't matter if the floor is cold, I am so grateful that I am here for a new day. The amazing present of gratitude is that we can be grateful for things big or small and just the mere practice of it, changes our hearts to become more filled with the Holy Spirit. Each night, my toddler and I thank God for bringing us together that day and we always pick out one thing that was our favorite part of the day. It just sums up the day before bed and fills our hearts with so much joy.

Friends, there is so much power in vulnerability. James 5:16 says, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. When we show up as Jesus shows up, non-judgmental, sincere, and with grace, we create such an effective space for healing. For vulnerability. For one more person to be saved. My hope and prayer for you is that you find the space to allow this vulnerability to take place and lead one more to Jesus.

Love,

Ashley P