The clip linked below went viral a few weeks ago, and it’s an incredible display of vulnerability, risk, and impact.

In short, a fan at an Oklahoma State football game went to an empty section of the stadium, took his shirt off, and started waving it. Shortly after, someone joined him. Then another. Then another. By the end of the game, the entire section—and several surrounding sections—were filled with shirtless, energetic fans waving their shirts and making a memory that would last a lifetime.

The clip went viral and is already being imitated by other sports teams. As silly as it seems, there are surprising life lessons we can learn from this shirtless man—lessons about leadership, personal growth, and even faith.

🎥 Watch the clip here.

This goofy clip makes people smile—but it also reminded me of something a mentor once told me: “You have to be vulnerable if you want people to buy in.”

I had shared an idea for a team-building activity to improve culture, but I immediately began doubting myself and talking it down. My mentor said, “Sometimes you just have to be vulnerable and give them a chance to believe in it.”

I eventually tried the activity, and while it wasn’t as successful as Oklahoma State’s shirtless fan, it worked. Over three years, through acts of vulnerability, risk, and intentional team-building, we built a campus culture I was proud of. (I write more about this in my book 100 Failures as a New Leader.)

As leaders, we often get discouraged when our ideas flop. We retreat, stop sharing, and play it safe. But new ideas—especially the bold ones—require vulnerability. They succeed best when you draw others into the process and develop the plan together.

That said, sometimes leadership starts exactly like the shirtless fan. You simply step out alone. You take the first risk. You lead by doing, not by convincing. Eventually, others see your passion and join in. It may start with one person, but if the idea is genuinely good—not just your own bias—it will spread.

It’s always easier to take your shirt off and wave it when someone else has already done it first. And when a whole section starts doing it, a movement begins.

I started thinking about the relationship between vulnerability, risk, and regret. The act of being vulnerable is always the first step toward growth. By definition, vulnerability means doing something you normally wouldn’t—something that risks emotional pain or failure.

The two biggest fears tied to vulnerability are failure and rejection. But in reality, those fears are almost always worse than the outcome itself.

Asking someone on a date, applying for a job, joining a Bible study, trying a new hobby, or posting your artwork online—these are all moments of risk. You might fail. You might be told “no.” But you also might build a stronger marriage, find a new passion, grow closer to God, or inspire someone else.

Every major turning point in life begins with vulnerability. Every marriage started with a first date. Every job began with an interview. Every business started with a decision. Every strong Bible study began because someone had the courage to initiate it and others joined.

The only guarantee in avoiding vulnerability is regret and stagnation.

Yes, vulnerability carries real risk—quitting a stable job to chase a dream, opening up to a spouse, or facing rejection after rejection. But those risks forge perseverance, wisdom, courage, and depth of character.

I can’t promise every act of vulnerability will end in success—but I can promise that fear is rarely as catastrophic as we imagine, and regret is always worse than failure.

Christianity itself is built on vulnerability.

It takes humility and brokenness to kneel before God and admit that our strength, effort, and achievements have not filled the void in our hearts. That kind of surrender doesn’t come naturally—it’s the most vulnerable act of all.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” — James 4:10

Yet the fear of that act is often worse than the reality. Because if you pray to a God who doesn’t exist, nothing happens. But if you pray to the God who does exist—and who the Bible says He is—then you are reaching out to a loving Father who has been pursuing you since creation.

He has pursued humanity despite our rebellion and offers eternal hope through Jesus Christ, who endured the cross and atoned for all sin. He is perfect in his His justice and His mercy and He offers salvation to all who call upon His name. He wants to rescue us from the mess we created—one we cannot save ourself from.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8–9

So, the most vulnerable act you can ever take—surrendering your life to the Creator of the universe—has a 100% success rate. Yet, human nature still resists. Fear of rejection, pride, and the inability to accept our brokenness keep us from our purpose and calling.

“For God did not destine us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

Spreading the Gospel also requires risk and vulnerability. Jesus didn’t stay in comfort—He went out into the world. His disciples did the same, and their faith cost them their lives. Christianity spread not through safety, but through courageous vulnerability.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” — Matthew 28:19–20

We’re called to do the same—to pray for others, to invite people into community, and to share our faith, even when it’s uncomfortable. Yes, it’s hard. Yes, it’s risky. But the Gospel moves outside our comfort zones and that vulnerability creates a dependency on Christ.

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” — Luke 9:23

Listen, I know it’s a wild analogy to pull this from a shirtless fan at a football game—but movements never start until someone is willing to take the first step.

Why not you?

NEW- Speaking of vulnerability, I wanted to add a section to the newsletter. If you would like for me to pray for you, feel free to request it below. It can be anonymous or not, if you want to leave a number or email for encouragement, feel free as well.