I don’t know about you, but Hollywood doesn’t excite me too much. For me, Hollywood disappoints.
So, it may surprise you that my new favorite quote comes from a Hollywood starlet! 
Anne Hathaway blew me away during a Barbara Walters interviewaired last evening. Apparently Anne was involved with a not so worthy character. Two weeks after their break-up he found himself in jail and Anne in the middle of an investigation. So, while Barbara asked the tough questions about the situation, Anne said,
“being vulnerable is not being weak”
How refreshing! Someone in Hollywood actually gets it!
Looking up the word vulnerable at dictionary.com produced this result:
“capable of or susceptible to being wounded or hurt”
Shortly after Anne’s brilliant quote she said “love is not just giving, it’s receiving too.” In other words, she was extremely hurt and needed help. She didn’t cover up her wounds with a smile or mask it with drugs or alcohol. Instead, she faced the hardship head on with the help of family and friends.
Last week’s text from What’s On Your Mind fits so perfectly here from 2 Corinthians 1:
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered… We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers.
Where does vulnerable fit in your life today? Are you facing fears on your own? Or are you relying on God’s strength?
Tomorrow, instead of asking how God can serve us, we’ll look at what areas He is calling us to serve Him. Join us in What’s On Your Mind ‘09.
Final question, did you watch the Oscars last night? How about the musical number featuring Mamma Mia with Beyonce and the kids from HSM3!
“Where does vulnerable fit in your life today?” I am vulnerable to technology were my daughter is concerned.
“Are you facing fears on your own? Or are you relying on God’s strength?” I am relying on God’s Strength and his Wisdom.
As I seek the answers to keep my daughter safe and educated, He has been leading me to amazing information.
Shane He is so faithful and shows me everyday that He loves me and that I am His. I am His favorite and so are you!!!
Theresa, thank you for showing your vulnerability through your daughter’s situation. Your humble approach to Christ’s love is inspiring.
It appears that I am vunerable in areas I need to get strong in. (Think animal out in the open when hunters are present) and then there are areas I am not vunerable and there is absolutely no cause (think paranoid person hiding behind a wall)I just don’t know which is which…I just know I have some things mixed up. And going thru depression as an APW (associate pastors wife) and being misunderstood by folks doesn’t lend to vunerability. Now as THE PW, I am less trusting than ever. And I can’t explain to husband that some of it is needed. It’s healthy. Space and boundaries are sacred to me. But I think I am overboard. Just don’t know where….but I know that only God can woo a wounded, untrusting soul out of their shell…..and like I told my hubby…I do have several (3 or 4) folks i would spill every bit of every thing out to…so it’s not like I am hiding from everyone….just those I don’t trust or know that well! haha (yeah…I have issues!! lol)
Cassandra… I love your comment especially all the (extra details)! I totally understand and can completely relate. As you said, God will continue to win you over with His love and provide you with trust worthy friends. Thank you for sharing your world with us!
Loved that Shane! I’m vulnerable to anger at Hollywood’s depiction of my view of homosexuals. To say that I would believe God doesn’t love them really made me want to act contrary to his will. I can feel hurt, yet pray for those who persecute me and my beliefs, no?
Love, Carol
Yes, that is so frustrating. Why can’t the “crazy” Christians get another name! Christians are all about Christ. And if Christ was here today he’d be loving on all the outcasts of our world.
I liked everybody’s posts today:) I am vulnerable to caring too much what people think of me.
I ALWAYS think TOO much of how others think of me…. UGH! I’d love to get rid of some that!
I can be vulnerable because God is holding me. He is my Safe Place.
I recently finished going through Psalm 31 and was convinced that God is my Safe Place. And I just wrote out my “own” psalm – fashioned after Ps. 31 – which I began by writing about my ability to be completely open and honest – vulnerable – with Him, simply because He is safe.
I appreciate her quote, too. Maybe some good things can come out of Hollywood…
Are you all set for Friday night?
I think my Mom and I are “good to go” for this weekend. We just haven’t registered yet. I hope to get ahold of someone at the church to do that tomorrow.
I loved your writing on Ps 31… beautiful!
I’ve been very vulnerable lately to the pressures of school and people around me. I care too much about what other people think about me and have a history of being willing to change for the people that I know wouldn’t change for me.
I also have this constant thought in the back of my brain that I’ve got it all under control…silly! I feel like my future’s in my hands, but we all know it isn’t. I mean really…if my future was all in my hands and in my control, I’d be out of luck! Haha, I have to learn that God is the pilot of my life, and it’s His way. He’s pretty darn awesome:)
On the bench…that’s where He’s got me right now for many reasons.
peace~elaine