“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.”
“How are you?”
“I’m fine.”
The dialogue between myself and a young woman sitting beside me at church on Sunday continues to swirl about in my mind and conscience.
Neither of us were fine that morning.
Tears were wiped from her face more than once while her husband gently patted her leg. My pain wasn’t as obvious but it was still there. And yet we both put on our fake-o happy faces and took the easy way out.
Fake-o:1 Transparency:0
I’m not saying we should spill our hearts to anyone and everyone, but if I could have a do-over, my response would be I’m struggling this morning and I’d appreciate your prayers.
Only hours later, God graciously gave me that opportunity and this time I didn’t scram to find my mask. Instead, I shared openly with the women in our life group. As it turned out, my transparency prompted another woman to share a similar struggle. We closed in prayer, opening wide the channels of our souls to receive God’s restoration power.
Fake-o:0 Transparency: God only knows
No doubt about it. The cost of transparency is high. It can be messy, scary, and risky — but its rewards will be measured throughout eternity.
How will you choose transparency over fake-o today?
I love this! I am definitely more transparent than I used to be. I still seek safety, though.
I figure if Paul could be transparent enough to say, "I don't know why I do the things I do! I don't do what I know I should do and I do things I know I shouldn't do"…then I can, too…
If David can say, "Why is this happening to me? I'm in agony"…then I can, too.
If Jesus can say, "If possible, please let this cup pass from me"…then I can, too.
Me too, Tereasa. But it is a journey isn't it?
Love the verses, Vonda! Thank you for sharing these with us.
Cathy–I love this…and am going to print and share with my women's lifeserve group Thursday evening. Thanks much!!
Thank you, Kim…to God be the glory!
I couldn't agree more, Cathy. I've hidden behind many masks before. Transparency makes me nervous, but it can build stronger friendships.
Oh Cathy,
How timely! I was just challenged with this, this very afternoon when I picked up my boys from school and a mom asked how I was doing.
After saying I was "fine," I confessed I hadn't been feeling well and haven't been for a long time (health struggles for long awhile.) Anyhow, I opened up more and she actually had a similar health issue and I was so encouraged by her story and it gave me more courage to be willing to share mine.
I don't know why I struggle with this sometimes . . . maybe it's b/c I want everything to be "just fine" when it really isn't and I don't like having to admit it??? I don't want to sound like a downer either or appear needy.
Anyhow, I'm working on this one — and I like the comment you made to the gal in church – I think I will use that one. 😉
God bless you, Hester
ps. For the record, I'm really not "fine" after what appears to be the finality of the election. ;( – How's that for transparency?! 🙂
I agree, Ellen. I'm not sure there can be true friendship, or at least the type God desires for us, without it. Thank you for sharing!
I struggle for similar reasons, Hester. I don't like feeling as if I'm a burden to anyone, especially when others have such difficult situations. But freedom awaits us!
(And I don't mind saying I'm really not "fine" either after the election. It boggles the mind and saddens the heart.)
Thank you for your transparency, Hester. God bless you!
Yeah, I'm not so fine myself, and not just because of the election. Heart hurts are some of the hardest to push through. So grateful for praying friends like you.
Consider yourself hugged 🙂
Heart hurts do seem to cut the deepest, Susan. Consider yourself hugged as well. 🙂 ((((HUG!)))
Prayers continue…
Love you!