As my emotions heal, I am enabled to be the woman God created me to be. I am
honest and vulnerable, but also wise about whom to trust with that
vulnerability. God gives us gifts of discernment and wisdom. I can protect
myself in healthy ways. Vulnerability used to imply weakness to me, but coupled
with discernment and wisdom, vulnerability actually demonstrates great strength.
As I’m learning to be honest with others and
myself about my true feelings, my inner self and outer self are becoming one. 1
Peter 3:3 states that “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such
as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it
should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet
spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” As more and more healing
occurs in my life, my spirit is being transformed and my inner self is becoming
calm and peaceful. Thanks be to God for what He is doing!
An example of this is how I am more
comfortable with who I am and less consumed with how other people view me.
Growing up, I had such an intensive desire to be liked and accepted that I
didn’t develop good boundaries – especially with men. I remember one of the
women in my family expressed well the way I was trying to live: “As long as
they [men] are happy, I am happy.” It struck me that I tried to please people
at the expense of myself.
