Intimacy- giving others your trust

Today’s Meseta reflection was spurred by the message written on a Camino Guidepost in the picture: Secrets Wilt, Intimacy Grows.

I’ve always sought deep, intimate relationships - with family, friends, and people in my community. It has always been amazing to me to experience how people open up and become so connected and committed to another when the person feels they are known. I learned this lesson at my parish, Presentation.

The pastor at the time embraced the now famous phrase of the “Wounded Healer” made popular by Henri Nouwen and embedded it in parish life. He encouraged others to be open about their hurts and pains and encourage people to use that experience from their hurt to support and nurture others. It’s a beautiful way to encourage a strong, vibrant community of faith - and very discipleship based. The approach not only embraces and cares for the person’s suffering but commissions the person to use that pain for good by caring for others in similar circumstances.

Not only do I believe intimacy is the secret sauce to a joy-filled life but it’s our access to God. The more deeply we know someone the more God is revealed to us through the person. Take a community of people like that and it can be a powerful witness to a world where people desperately seek to be known, loved, and feel a sense of value and purpose.

It always saddens me when I hear pastoral leaders who are not willing to be vulnerable - give over their trust to others in the community. I think it hinders the relationships that are possible and the community that can be built. There has to be a way to maintain healthy boundaries while at the same time permitting oneself to be vulnerable, intimate. It has never been a bad choice for me and I think if I’ve had any positive effect in our church, I think that has been the key.

It means speaking one’s truth even when it’s hard to hear, but when in a honest, authentic relationship, it permits for true conversation where God can be discovered.

I thank God that I’ve been blessed with countless people in my life who are witnesses to their vulnerable, authentic self. I’m the richer in life for it!Leer más