The whole Bible can be seen as a chronicle of examples meant to assure us that we are not crazy if we accept this invitation to vulnerability before God and one another. Such an initial attitude of vulnerability, as my friend Brené Brown teaches so well, is where all relationships begin to blossom.[7] I am calling this surprising letting down of defenses—from both sides—the prophetic “way of tears,” as opposed to our more common ways of heroic willpower, commandment, obedience, force, anger, and legitimated violence.
