[Rev. Jill Brocklehurst](http://jillbrocklehurst.ca/) tells her story of
disappointment and shame as she worked toward ordination within the Spiritual
Living community. She speaks to us from the book [_The Power of
Vulnerability_](http://brenebrown.com/books/) by Dr. Brene Brown.
Vulnerability is absolutely essential to wholehearted living.
Shame is the fear of disconnection: Is there something about us, that if other
people were to know it or see it, we wouldn't be worthy of connection?
There are people who really struggle---they believe they are not worthy of
love and belonging. In contrast, there are people who have worthiness---they
live as wholehearted people, embodying the three characteristics of courage,
compassion, and connection.
Vulnerability is the core of shame and fear. It is the birthplace of joy,
creativity, belonging, and love. Vulnerability is absolutely essential to
wholehearted living.
We _can_ develop the courage to be whole.