Heart Choices: Love Causes Me to Be Vulnerable -->

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Love Causes Me to Be Vulnerable


Love causes me to be vulnerable.

If I choose to love, I run the risk of getting hurt.

As I consider these two statements, I also look at the opposite side of this equation.

If I choose to close off my heart to avoid getting hurt, I miss out on possible joy and happiness.

Here is what has helped me in this love journey.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10 

I trust my heart to Jesus.  He holds my heart is His hand.  He asks me to trust Him.

As a woman who always desired to have children and was unable, I am overjoyed at the gift of love He has given me for each one of the precious children I encounter every day in my work.

Was I planning on returning to work after years of retiring from a nursing career?  No!

But life circumstances happened and the need arose for me to go back to work.  I believe God had this chapter of my life all planned out in advance. And one of the prerequisites for me was to be vulnerable and trust Him with my heart.

I can tell you that He alone is trustworthy.  Being vulnerable has allowed me to love with abandon.  I am able to spend time with other people's children and experience such joy and love in return.

I'm jamming with Bonnie of The Faith Barista today on the topic of being vulnerable.



Blessings and love,

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Debbie Petras
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15 comments:

  1. What a gift you must be to those children. They teach us so much about being vulnerable don't they?

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  2. To love with abandonment! What a beautiful picture those words! Love that you are loving children and I"m sure you are a very big blessing to them. Blessings from Faith Barista.

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  3. He sure picked the right setting in which to place you. I know those little ones bless you, but I'm equally certain you're a blessing to them, too.

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  4. Just your title and the picture was enough to bring me to tears.

    And then Isaiah 41. Thank you, Lord, for using Debbie!

    "Being vulnerable has allowed me to love with abandon."

    I want to do this too. Thank you for always inspiring me, friend!

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  5. Isn't He wonderful? And think of all the children you have loved and have loved you! P.S. You don't look nearly old enough to have been retired from anything! Lori

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  6. I love your story and testimony, Debbie. I don't know anybody with a heart as big as yours. I am amazed at the way God worked all of this out for His glory and your good. What a blessing you are to these beautiful children!

    Love, love, love you, girl!
    Mary

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  7. We sure do miss out on blessings when we shut our heart down, don't we..and I think so many times God uses children to show us the way....Children are amazing in the all ways they teach us to love, to trust, and to be real and vulnerable....The children are blessed to be with you every day..a person who chooses to have her heart wide open......

    Such an encouraging post.....

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  8. It is so awesome how God's plans are always so wonderful! He brought you to this place in time for this exact reason...so you could love and be loved by the beautiful children He as put in your classes! Blessings Debbie! Being vulnerable is a good thing! xo Joan

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  9. Dear Debbie,
    It is right that the more you open your heart the more you see and feel of other people's joy and sorrow. A joy shared is a double joy, a burden shared is half a burden.
    The children, love of your life and "missionary field", aren't just other people's children. They are first and foremost God's children and several hours a day He's left them in your care.
    I feel so happy for those who hunger and meet you.
    From Felisol

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  10. Oh, yes, to love requires such vulnerability! Thanks for sharing that here today.

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  11. God certainly knew the plans He had for you Debbie; He gave you the precious gift of children so that you would have all of their beautiful hearts to love and give back to because you have SO much tender love to give!

    What a generous gift of God's love! :)

    Blessings and hugs...
    Denise

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  12. Debbie..you always expand my heart! Thanks for sharing these very timely words. To love...yes, yes!

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  13. I just started work full-time - and God put me in such a wonderful place with a team of women I'll be leading (once I learn EVERYTHING - LOL) - I think God puts us in places to love people. Open hearted hurts sometimes, but oh, the places an open heart will go! Your message is simply love-filed!

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  14. As I said to you before; I believe that this line of work is just perfect for you. You have so much to give; especially His love.

    Thank you for sharing from your heart, Debbie.

    Love & peace,
    <>< Iris

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