Vulnerability, and Why it frightens us.

The definition of life, is something that is full of life. We say we only have one life to live, unless you believe in reincarnation. The question we are asking ourselves is wrong and creates anxiety, because the question is "How do we eliminate suffering?" We are not a religious society anymore, so humans place absolutely no value on suffering anymore! Instead we try to eliminate suffering and in the process miss out on part of the meaning of life. We have forgotten Jesus on the cross, and the amount of suffering that God the Son underwent to purchase our freedom and salvation. Part of the reason why humanity devalues suffering is because they no longer see suffering as redemptive.

No longer do Christians pray for a happy death, now an oxymoron, but they pray for a quick exit from this life and a glorious entrance into the life beyond. Suffering for your faith is avoided at all costs, and the promise of a hedonistic after life, devoid of holiness is what most people want! The world teaches us that there is no value in any kind of suffering or disability, and in it's pride tries to eliminate the process of redemption, which sometimes includes suffering. I remember a time in my life, where I was actually scared of those who were vulnerable, but I didn't turn away from them. Even though they made me feel uncomfortable, I understand how some people are terrified of suffering.

Here we all are in unprecedented times, where suffering and death are becoming common place in this pandemic, but a lot of us still are terrified of being vulnerable ourselves. Suffering can humble us, because in fact it brings us all very low. The grief comes when we don't know how to end our suffering, so you look for a quick exit or relief, which consequently will bring more pain not less. This is why Jesus had to suffer. We needed someone, who was God by the way, to show us not how to end our pain, but to unite our suffering to Himself. This is a big part of being a Christian, not ending our suffering as soon as possible, but allowing the Lord to suffer with us. The Lord determines the amount of time we suffer, not us. This is a hard lesson for some to learn, but when our time comes, hopefully we will see our suffering as something to be embraced, not something to be eliminated! This is Mike.

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