Being closed off was RUINING US
Channel: Refocused - AE
Date: 22/02/2024

Summary
This is a conversation between Anthony and Essence, discussing the importance of #vulnerability in #relationships, especially #marriage. They emphasize that being closed off to one's spouse hinders growth and #intimacy. They explore the power, necessity, and risks of #vulnerability, highlighting that it fosters connection and is essential for deepening relationships. They also discuss their personal experiences and challenges with vulnerability, advocating for openness and sharing as a means to strengthen bonds and understand each other better.

Analogy
The analogy of an "emotional bubble boy" is used to describe someone who is closed off and avoids vulnerability. Just like the bubble boy is protected but isolated, an emotionally closed-off person misses out on the full experience of relationships and growth.

Notes
🗣️ Anthony and his wife emphasize the importance of not being closed off to one's spouse.
💑 They discuss the power of vulnerability in creating intimacy and connection in relationships.
🛡️ The necessity of vulnerability is highlighted, despite the risks it entails.
🚪 Vulnerability is portrayed as a door to deeper understanding and closeness between people.
🤔 Anthony shares his personal struggle with opening up and the impact it had on their marriage.
💔 The potential #bitterness and #resentment that can arise from a lack of vulnerability are addressed.
🌍 They suggest that greater vulnerability could lead to more harmony in the world.
📖 Sharing personal experiences and struggles is seen as a way to help others and foster connections.
🙏 The role of vulnerability in #ministry and sharing one's testimony is discussed.
🔄 The importance of continually working on being vulnerable and open is emphasized.

Keywords
Vulnerability: The quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.
Intimacy: Close familiarity or friendship; closeness.
Testimony: A formal written or spoken statement, especially one given in a court of law.
Emotional Bubble Boy: A metaphorical term used to describe someone who is emotionally closed off and protected, like the "bubble boy" who lives in a sterile environment to avoid infections.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Teaser
00:22 Intro
01:30 The Power of Vulnerability and Its Necessity for Intimacy
04:29 Examples and Struggles with Vulnerability
08:20 What kept Anthony from being vulnerable
12:48 Benefits of vulnerability in friendships and ministry
17:40 How do we become vulnerable enough to show the things that aren’t pleasing
22:40 The double-sided aspect of vulnerability and connection
29:30 The Risk Of Vulnerability
35:43 How we need to treat the growth of our vulnerability

FOLLOW US:
https://www.refocusedae.com
Instagram.com/refocused.ae
Facebook.com/refocused.ae

Biography:
Anthony, growing up in St. Louis always wandered around life with a semi-awareness of what was going on in his life and the world. Navigating through college, career, and entrepreneurship the real attention to detail did not come into play until Christ became Lord for him at 24 and was then magnified upon his marriage and introduction to his father. Being a Father, Husband, pastor, employee, and entrepreneur, has been a blessing given everything for him is centered around Christ.

Essence was born and raised out of Kansas City, MO. With a huge heart to serve, lead, nurture, and create she has given a lot of time to mentoring children, delivering spoken word poetry, and lifting those around her who need wise and Christ-centered advice. Between all the hats that she wears she still finds the time to be an excellent wife and phenomenal mother.