On the surface vulnerability is something most of us tend to avoid. Like a buried treasure we often find it yields great value.

According to Dictionary.com, one definition for vulnerability is the “willingness to show emotion or to allow one’s weaknesses to be seen or known; a willingness to risk being emotionally hurt.”

In her book, Daring Greatly, author Brene Brown describes vulnerability as:

“Vulnerability is not knowing victory or defeat, it’s understanding the necessity of both; it’s engaging. It’s being all in…vulnerability is not weakness, and the uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure we face every day are not optional…Our willingness to own and engage with our vulnerability determines the depth of our courage and the clarity of our purpose.”

It’s time for me to cash in some chips and be vulnerable with you.

Over the past few months, I have come to know Father in a deeper and more intimate way. It’s been more than six months since I lost my job.

There have been moments of uncertainty and concern which are by-products of the situation. I would be lying to you if I told you the seas have been smooth-sailing.

However, I can honestly say I have experienced an overwhelming sense of peace in the midst of the storm. Allow me to correct that statement. Christ has been my anchor and has helped me navigate the intermittent rough waters in a peace producing manner.

There have been times I have prayed and called on His name. I have opened my mouth and declared scriptural truths, applying them to my life. There have been conversations with God about my concerns and how I am feeling. I decided to be real as He already was in tune with my inner thoughts.

I would be remiss if I did not admit to this. I have cried often during this season of my life. Like a spring bursting forth from an unknown, deep well, tears have warmed my cheeks and drawn me close to His heart.

In the 2017 movie, The Shack, there is a scene toward the end of the movie where Mack, the father of a young daughter, Missy, who was abducted and killed while on a camping trip, gets the opportunity to go back in time via his memory and a unique encounter with the Trinity, especially the Father. Mack never had the chance to say goodbye to Missy and he now has the opportunity to have closure by burying his daughter.

As the casket is lowered into the ground, Sarayu (a type of the Holy Spirit) pours water from a small glass bottle onto the casket. The Father, known as Papa, stands next to Mack and says, “It does a body good to let the healing waters flow. Those are your tears Mackenzie, we have been collecting them for a long time.”

I can totally relate. I have embraced this as I have let the healing waters flow. It has been such a refreshing revelation that not one tear of mine has been missed and they have been stored for use when needed.

Subsequent to watching the movie and in the midst of my present experience, I came across this verse to affirm that God and His word always prove to be faithful.

“You’ve kept track of all my wandering and my weeping. You’ve stored my many tears in your bottle—not one will be lost. For they are all recorded in your book of remembrance. The very moment I call to you for a father’s help the tide of battle turns and my enemies flee. This one thing I know: God is on my side!” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭56:8-9‬ ‭TPT)

The road I am currently traveling has not been easy by any stretch of the imagination. There have been times where I wanted to give up. On some days, it has been hard to get my car out of neutral. On other days, feelings of great encouragement buffered me as timely word has been sent my way or the lyrics of a song made their way inside of me. In and through it all, I have sensed His presence in a deep, deep way.

Please do not underestimate the power of a well-timed word of encouragement like the one below we recently received from our daughter, Jessica:

“Praying over you this morning and declaring that God’s unshakable Joy will fill your hearts today. That you will hear the song He is singing over you. That you will remain steadfast in declaring His faithfulness in your lives and that you will guard your hearts against anxiety, depression and hopelessness. That you will declare His goodness as you wake and you will step confidently into this day knowing that He loves you, He sees you and He will be FAITHFUL to carry you. His provision is abundant. You will not lack. His direction is certain, you will not doubt. His love is endless and is holding you even when you momentarily cave to the concerns of this world. His yoke is easy and His burden is lite. If God is for you, who can be against you? You may not have the answers, or see the way out, but declare your confidence that He has already made a way. Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS. This is the day that He has made.“

Whatever you may be facing, you are not facing it alone.

Often, people will come alongside of you and walk the path with you. The Father is only a breath away and He not only is present to be called upon, but absolutely wants to be called upon. Dads are like that.

Your tears, and at times you know they have been many, are stored in a bottle and are not lost.

The Father is collecting your tears in a bottle.

If you need to cry then by all means do so with the full knowledge the Father has not lost sight of you and understands what you are experiencing.

I have been able to emphatically say the Father is on my side and has made a treasured collection of my tears and anxious thoughts. The same applies for you.

My prayer is that you will know the height, depth, and breadth of His love for you as you experience His overwhelming presence in your life no matter your situation. Allow me the opportunity and give you a fair warning. Being vulnerable will be somewhat awkward and uncomfortable.

However, the reward of being vulnerable is seeing deep down the person you not only are, but also the one you will become. That in itself is a treasure worth finding. I think it is time for you to explore a little for your buried treasure.

Go ahead, I dare you!