Vulnerability in the pulpit

I had the dream again. I was kayaking in a beautiful bay, following the snaking paths of the marsh, trying not to upset the nesting swans. Then, I looked down and realized that I was naked.

Naked dreams are common. For me, the archetypal visions began in junior high, as I went to school, anxious about mean girls and forgetting my clothes. They continued as I went to seminary, unprepared for a test, and also naked. I've taught classes naked. I've keynoted at conferences naked. And I've ended up in the pulpit naked. It’s my subconscious conjuring up all my feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. It’s my inner self, warning me, see what will happen if you do this thing? You’ll completely embarrass yourself! You can’t do this. You’ll only end up a fool!

And so I wake up, put on my clothes, and listen to my fears. I smile and nod at them for a few moments, and then I tell my anxiety to back off because I’ve got to get back to learning, teaching, and preaching.