Jean Vanier: Become Weaker (VIDEO)

"Fragility and weakness is not an evil, but a place where we can meet and work together," says Jean Vainer.

I had the privilege to take a pilgrimage to Trosly-Breuil, France to share meals and conversations with L'Arche founder and late Henri Nouwen mentor Jean Vanier (many films from that intimate time to be posted here over the coming months).

Jean said to "cross over" we need to "become weaker." Those are hard words in a culture where we are nurtured not to show any weakness, to hold power and to become better than everybody. In a time of such polarization and protectionism that doesn't seem to be bearing any fruit or stirring imaginations, we might try out a little vulnerability and see what newness might be born out of the fertile soil of weakness.

"Life comes from the recognition that we can't do it alone. It comes from our impuissance, our powerlessness." --Jean Vanier

Watch more films with Jean and check out his books at TWOTP.