Happy Wednesday friends! As I shared several months, I am excited to re-share some of the most popular devotional posts that I wrote in 2017-2018 (if you would like to see the complete list you can find it HERE!) and am excited to share this one this week! I hope that this continues to be a beautiful blessing even several years later!
I mentioned back at the end of July in a post that one of the most lovely and fun aspects of When Calls the Heart Season 2 was watching the relationship between Lee and Rosemary begin to grow. The humor and the quick banter between the two of them drew so many #hearties into their story (including myself) and I have loved watching the relationship between them deepen and grow throughout the last several seasons.
At the beginning though, there were several funny exchanges about their relationship, including the one I mentioned in my post at the end of July between Lee and Jack. There was also this humorous statement above from Rosemary to Abigail in the 7th episode of Season 2, which beyond the humor highlighted a powerful truth for us all to consider... the blessing that comes with vulnerability.
When I watched this scene the first time I giggled a bit, along with lots of viewers I am sure, but as I sat down to write this chapter I started to think about the depth of what is conveyed here. There are times in life when it seems easier to hide behind an excuse then it is to be truly vulnerable and show our hearts. We may give the appearance of having "everything together" (in person or on the highlight reel of social media *smiles*) but in reality we may fear risking our hearts. In doing so we sadly miss out on the blessing that comes with vulnerability.
I can be just as guilty of this as anyone - it is sometimes easier to hide behind something else (even claiming concern over indigestion) then to have the courage to face being vulnerable. I think that there are a lot of reasons that we hide but the main reason I think is that we don't want to lose that "allure" of what first draws another human being to us and maybe we don't want to be seen as just another flawed human being.
But here is the thing. There is a certain blessing that can only come from being vulnerable. I love how Brene' Brown says, "Vulnerability, is at the core, the center of meaningful experience."
This is so true isn't it? I am challenged to really think about the times in my own life where I have felt the most alive, the most connected to others, and the most free in who God created me to be, and it all revolves around vulnerability. Vulnerability to understand that there is a courage that can only come when we risk our hearts, and vulnerability to to take a chance on showing who we really are to another person. As I am challenged I am reminded that someone once said, "Vulnerability is the only bridge to build connection."
Most people think that when you are vulnerable you lose something. Some think that you lose your control or your power, but in reality there is a unique courage that can only come from being vulnerable. Brene' Brown also said, "Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren't always comfortable, but they are never weakness."
Vulnerability at the beginning is tough. Being vulnerable is a constant act of courage. It's the courage to face and risk rejection. It's the courage to face fear. It's the courage to face truth. It's the courage to face another human being fully and honestly open... and maybe most of all it's the courage to face ourselves.
It's the courage to realize in facing ourselves that we need a reliance on God completely. Being vulnerable reminds us that we really can't do life alone. Vulnerability strips off my mask of being able to handle everything and lay forth the honest truth about who I am and who God is.
Today dear friends, let's face our vulnerabilities with courage. Let's step out, let's risk our hearts and let's invest the vulnerability to love others freely and openly. Let's ask the deep questions that require risk. Let's courageously share own stories to help another person face the dark corners of their own, knowing that listening and love can restore a lost voice. Let us cheer each other on as we see someone live vulnerably. Let us courageously be vulnerable, knowing that there is a beautiful blessing that comes with vulnerability... the blessing of living a meaningful, full, and courageous life.
"I was unsure of how to go about this, and felt totally inadequate- I was scared to death, if you the truth of it- and so nothing I said could have impressed you or anyone else. But the message came through anyway. God's spirit and God's power did it, which made it clear that your life of faith is a response to God's power, not to some fancy mental or emotional footwork by me or anyone else."
-I Corinthians 2:3-5, The Message-
*original post written in August 2017 prior to Lori Loughlin's departure from the show*
*original post written in August 2017 prior to Lori Loughlin's departure from the show*
If you want to see a sweet scene showing the beautiful vulnerability that Rosemary later does display to Lee and how he lovingly responds make sure to watch the end of Episode 7, Season 2. It truly highlights this point that we are looking at today.
Looking for past From Hope Valley Devotionals? You can click HERE to find a complete listing of all of the devotionals!
I have received several emails asking me about the books by Janette Oke that the series is based on. You may remember that I mentioned in my very first From Hope Valley Devotional post that I had read Janette Oke's series back when I was a teenager. The original book series, "The Canadian West Series" was based on Elizabeth's aunt and her adventures (she also married a Mountie). Here are the listing of the books from that series (there are six) in order:
In the last several years Janette Oke released a new series entitled, "Return to the Canadian West" which you can find listed below in order:
I receive several emails a week asking where you can watch older episodes of "When Calls the Heart". If you have a Netflix account you can find seasons 1-3 there or you can purchase them on Amazon. You can purchase and watch all of the seasons and episodes by clicking on the links below:
*Please note that the quotes used in these weekly devotionals are the sole intellectual property of Hallmark Channel, WCTH, & Crown Media, LLC. These on-line posts are in no way supported, endorsed or affiliated with WCTH, Hallmark Channel, or Crown Media. They are simply encouragement inspired by Janette Oke and this precious show.*
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