Matters of the Heart 101: Something Is In Your Teeth

I gathered my papers, signed into the Zoom call, and was eager to receive feedback on my writing. I scheduled an appointment with a contact on their thoughts of an article I had written. As we talked she gave great feedback and advice on things to consider in my writing journey. I was grateful for her feedback on my writing, but I was more grateful for her feedback on me. I called with writing in mind but as the conversation flowed she gave profound and treasured insight into my habits, both good and bad. Our discussion ended up being more about me than writing & her wisdom coupled with my openness allowed me to understand and consider things that I was not fully aware of.

In this last week of our heart health series, we are discussing the seeds of humility & vulnerability. Humility is the ability to relate to and interact with others free from pride or arrogance. Humility is sometimes thought of as having low self-esteem or allowing others to walk over you but Godly humility is a quiet confidence that considers others first. A quote on humility sums up the idea “humility isn’t thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less”.

Vulnerability is a person's willingness to be open with a person regarding their emotions. Vulnerability tends to get a bad reputation because of the possibility of being misunderstood, exploited, or taken advantage of. However, vulnerability with the right people can greatly value and strengthen relationships.

You could be wondering how does humility and vulnerability help guard my heart? A humble and vulnerable heart can receive godly guidance, love, and correction. Guarding our heart isn't synonymous with building an impenetrable wall around it. When we guard our hearts properly, using godly discernment is key. Vulnerability can be challenging, but let God lead you to the people He wants to use to help you. God has placed specific people in our lives to help us become the best we can be. When we open up to others, we can be aware of things that we may have not seen on our own. Vulnerability asks, "Is something in my teeth?" and humility says, "Oh, thank you for letting me know that something was in my teeth".

Just like our spiritual hearts, we can guard the health of our physical hearts by seeking out reputable doctors and receiving their advice when they suggest things like exercise, low-sodium, and nutritious diets, lowering stress, and even therapy. Stay on top of your heart health by scheduling routine appointments for your heart and overall health. As you move forward this week, pray and ask God for a humble heart and guidance on the people He would have you to be vulnerable with.

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

Check out other ways to keep your heart healthy here!