In her TED Talk “Listening to Shame,” Dr. Brené Brown explains that vulnerability is not weakness. Her research shows that vulnerability is “emotional risk, exposure, uncertainty” and that it fuels our daily lives. She calls vulnerability “the most accurate measurement of courage,” reminding us that to be vulnerable—to let ourselves be seen—is true courage. She also names vulnerability as “the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.” To watch the TED talk, click HERE.

Resurrection, we have been going through a time of cultural growth and struggle. So much of what felt comfortable and “reliable” has changed. Not only did Covid bring horrible loss, it changed how we work, educate, worship, and simply move through the world. Horrible images of blatant racism, intolerance, and hate fill our media cycles, and permeate social media, all made “socially acceptable” by dehumanizing political rhetoric and journalism.

Even our church home has shown its vulnerability, as increasingly violent storms remind us that the effects of climate change are not distant or abstract, but part of the world we now navigate together.

And yet, every Sunday I see and feel the love of Jesus flowing through this community. I see the courage of those who serve others through the love of Christ. When leadership is needed, someone steps forward. Our vulnerability has raised hard questions, but it has also birthed creativity, courage, and honest self-evaluation. Through it all, Resurrection has remained a place of love and acceptance.

Theodore Roosevelt delivered the “Man in the Arena” passage in his 1910 “Citizenship in a Republic” speech in Paris. His purpose was to honor active, engaged citizens over idle critics. Roosevelt emphasized that true progress requires risk, effort, and the willingness to face failure rather than remain safely on the sidelines. Here is an excerpt from that passage:

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, ………..but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly…..”

Though we are surrounded by vulnerability, it is clear that through you, God is inviting Resurrection to “dare greatly”. I am so proud of the courage, grit, and steady faith in God’s guidance that you have shown. Resurrection, you have continued to stand in the arena. I am excited to discover what innovation and creativity God will bring through this amazing congregation.

Isaiah 43:19 speaks to us: “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” We serve a loving God and a Savior who is the one constant in our ever-changing world (Hebrews 13:8). Let us hold tight to the teachings of Jesus and to our vision of a loving, inclusive, and welcoming world. And as we step into this “new thing” that is now springing forth, may we learn to become comfortable with vulnerability, moving forward with courage and love.

All praise and glory to Christ Jesus,

Jackie Marshall

Vice President, Board of Directors

Jackie@ResurrectionMCC.Org

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