What does it mean to be vulnerable? The word seems to be synonymous with weakness. Not that vulnerability is a weakness or that what you are showing is weakness in yourself, but its that point where you become tender. When I cook steaks, I tenderize the meat to make it more vulnerable to the marinade. To be vulnerable is to be tender to another.
Men have always viewed vulnerability as weakness. Why? Because, in general but definitely not always, men see it as a lion attacking the vulnerable antelope. It is what we eat for thanksgiving. It is not being the top of the food chain, but it is facing up to the reality that you can be attacked and there is something bigger than you.
Whether it is pride, a person, or a proposition, man gets attacked and many times he or she can handle that. But there are some spots that are tender and the person getting attacked just can't take it there. It's like a tickle spot - everyone has one. It usually hits people at their uncertainties - their weight, height, personality, talents, etc. - or where they are most confident. It's either to get smashed down into the ground or merely just pulled down to it.
Vulnerability is to be tender to another. If that is the case, then Jesus was a good example. He never was weak but he did weep, and wash his disciples' feet to name a few of things. Weakness is not synonymous with vulnerability, strength is not synonymous with it either. Vulnerability is a small virtue that is not very popular, but the very thing that this culture needs to see most. Not a stupid vulnerability that resembles foolish souls based on feelings, but a wise vulnerability that balances itself with truth and understanding. It's hard to do.
