Vulnerable conversations

I think I live in a world, a society, a culture, which is afraid to be honest.
I think that my generation has seen so much abuse of trust,
brokenness and confusion over what it means to be a person - to be part of a functioning family or group,
and so much tolerance where nothing is unacceptable or critiquable and no standards are evident,
that we don't believe in being vulnerable anymore.
Vulnerability means abuse
means pain
means rejection
means tolerance with no offer of transformation.

When we come to the church
with these views of the world
we try to remain invulnerable
leading to
legalism
Pharisees
facades
Perfect Christians - clean on the outside and filthy inside.

If we allow Jesus to transform us maybe
just maybe
becoming vulnerable
admitting doubts
confusion
fears
sins
Sin

maybe we might find
others
who feel the same, behave the same, want the same
instead of acceptance of ourselves as we are (which validates our Sin and changes nothing)
encouragement to do better,
deep love urging us to change,
hope for a better future,

a way to reach people. Christian and non-Christian.
a way to love people. Christian and non-Christian.
a way to be the church.
a way to be real.

Vulnerable.