As humans, we’ve become masters of hiding. Since the very beginning of time, we’ve learned how to cover up our true selves. The first humans, Adam and Eve, walked in the Garden of Eden, both naked and unashamed (Genesis 2:25). There was no fear, no need to hide who they were. But everything changed after the Fall.

When Eve gave in to temptation and ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, her eyes—and Adam’s—were opened to their nakedness, and shame came rushing in. They sewed fig leaves together to cover their shame, and when God came looking for them, they hid from Him (Genesis 3:6-10). This instinct to hide when we feel exposed, ashamed, or afraid has been part of our human condition ever since.

But hiding has a cost. It keeps us trapped in a version of ourselves that isn’t real—what some call the “false self.” We end up walking through life projecting an image, but inside, we’re crying out: “Who am I really?”

Vulnerability: The Antidote to Hiding

Vulnerability is the process of stepping out from behind the fig leaves, allowing our true selves to be seen—imperfections, struggles, and all. This is no easy task. It’s scary to think about opening up, especially when we’ve been hurt before. But as I shared in last week’s sermon, vulnerability is the key to deep healing and connection. It’s not about showing strength or perfection but allowing ourselves to be truly known.

In reflecting on vulnerability, I can’t help but think about celebrating my son Devin’s 21st birthday recently. What a milestone in his life and in mine as a father. Watching him grow into the man he is today has reminded me of the beauty and strength found in vulnerability. There have been moments in his life when I had to let my guard down, sharing my own journey and struggles with him, as well as celebrating his victories. In those moments, God reminded me that being open with our children is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. Vulnerability isn’t a weakness but a gateway to deeper connection, love, and understanding.

Breaking Down the Barriers to Vulnerability

Why do we resist being vulnerable? There are many reasons:

1. Pain and Trauma– For many of us, opening up means revisiting wounds from the past. Whether it’s abuse, neglect, or deep emotional scars, these experiences can create a thick wall around our hearts.

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2. Personality– Some of us hide behind our personality, saying things like, “I’m just not the type to open up.” But vulnerability is not about personality; it’s about being honest.

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3. Family and Culture– We may have grown up in homes where emotions weren’t shared, where showing weakness wasn’t an option. That kind of upbringing teaches us to keep our guard up.

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4. Social Media– In today’s world, we are bombarded with “perfect” images of other people’s lives. This filtered reality can make us feel even more isolated in our struggles.

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5. Fear of Rejection– One of the biggest reasons we avoid vulnerability is the fear of being misunderstood or rejected. What if we let someone in and they walk away?

Why Vulnerability Matters

But here’s the truth: when we embrace vulnerability, we allow God to do His deepest work in us. Romans 5:8 tells us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. God sees our flaws, our failures, our hidden parts, and yet He loves us fully. We don’t need to hide from Him or from others. 

Jesus Himself modeled vulnerability. In the story of Lazarus, we see Jesus weeping alongside Mary and Martha, deeply moved by the loss of His friend (John 11:33-37). If the Son of God can be vulnerable, showing His emotions openly, how much more should we be willing to do the same?

The Courage to Be Seen

When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, it opens the door to healing and deep connection. Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s courage. It’s saying, “Here I am, flaws and all,” and trusting that God—and safe people around us—will receive us with grace.

C.S. Lewis said it best:

To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly be broken.

But locking our hearts away only leads to isolation. The more we protect ourselves from vulnerability, the more we lose the chance to be truly loved.

Finding Healing Through Connection

One of the most beautiful things about vulnerability is that it creates spaces for others to heal. Just like in my own journey, God uses our stories to bring others closer to Him. When we stop hiding and start sharing our struggles, we give others permission to do the same. Reflecting on Devin’s 21st birthday, I am reminded how far God has brought me. The vulnerability I’ve had to share with my children has helped shape them into who they are, showing them that life, in all its ups and downs, is a shared journey.

So I encourage you today: stop hiding. Step out from behind the fig leaves, and let your true self be seen. You are fully loved by God, seen by Him, and received as His child. And here in this community, we want to walk with you as you learn to open up, to trust, and to heal.

If you’re feeling stuck, if you’re tired of hiding your shame, guilt, or fear, it’s time to take that step. Vulnerability may feel risky, but it’s the only way to experience the fullness of God’s love and the deep connection we crave with others.

You are loved.

You are seen.

You are received.

It’s time to be real. It’s time to let the healing begin.

This blog post not only focuses on vulnerability and its importance but also celebrates Devin’s 21st birthday, reminding us of the importance of sharing life’s milestones and struggles with those we love. Let’s continue to encourage one another to walk in vulnerability and authenticity, creating deeper connections in our relationships with God and others.