So lately I've had some convo's with friends, who agree that we would live in QUITE a different world if people were just a little more transparent.
For example...What would happen if, when the Sonic carhop said "How are you today ma'am" as she handed over your large Diet Coke with cherry, you answered honestly? What if instead of rattling off the typical "Fine, thanks" you really told her how you were doing?
"Well to be honest, I'm struggling with fear today in this area of my life and could use some prayer." Or "My husband and I just had a huge fight and I'm really sad." Or "My friend's marriage is in trouble and I'm hurting for her." Or "My kid has a really bad cold and I'm so exhausted and ready to cry at the drop of a hat."
Besides the risk of said carhop possibly dropping your drink in surprise, what do you have to lose? What if that honesty helped HER with the struggles SHE had that day? What if she really did pray for you and God used that openness to bless you AND her? What if asking for prayer caught her so off guard, she thought about God for the first time in a long time - maybe ever?
But we don't do that. Because it's scary. Because someone at some point has to go first. Someone has to risk it all and be honest and vulnerable without the guarantee that someone will do so in response and leave you hanging. And that's where it gets tricky.
So guess what? I'm going first!
Today, I'm struggling. Struggling with God's timing, struggling with hearing God's voice/direction in several areas of my life. Struggling with exhaustion over the spiritual issues, struggling with how to proceed from here. Struggling with faith that Romans 8:28 will be used in my current circumstances - both personal and writing ministry wise. Struggling with spiritual warfare and lies repeating in my head. Struggling with the strength to keep fighting. Struggling with selfishness.
I would love for you to share your doubts/fears/thoughts/concerns/prayer requests in the comments section today. Let's pray and lift each other up. No problem is too big, too small, too messy, or too insignificant for us to pray about. So let's hear it.
Will you be transparent today?
5 comments:
I love this post and I SO agree with it. I oftrn just say "good" and then realize, hey, that wasn't completely honest.
Today I am feeling ok, pretty good. I'm excited to have company over tonight. I've been neglecting my devotions and quiet times for the past few days. Bickering with siblings. Wishing some of my friends would be "more this" or "less that." like more smart in the area of watch-what-you-say and less clueless sometimes. I wish that people would think about what they say before they say it. I wish a boy we know would just stop gossiping cuz its getting old and VERY annoying. I wish life werent clouded at times with worry and anxiety.
Sorry about this "whiny" comment it turned into a lpng vent comment.
So im ok.
Thank you for sharing Talia! Not whiny at all :)
I hear ya, Betsy! I just came out of a large waiting period and understand the frustration. Actually, I'm still waiting for Gods timing in a few areas, it is a challenge.
My transparent struggle this week and the next few weeks is fear and anxiety. I'm going through a number of medical tests and they aren't easy. There are few I'm particularly nervous about, one this Friday that lasts 24 hrs.I keep trying to give it to the Lord and a little while later the fear assaults me again.
Will be praying Tonya! Thank you for sharing with us. I really believe God will bless His children who aren't afraid to speak for Him and speak Truth, even when its hard. When we keep everything bottled inside, we isolate ourselves. As the Christian body, we should be leaning on each other and showing Jesus to each other. Praying, friend!
Thanks for opening up Sierra! Praying for you too. I understand the stress of feeling behind and not enough hours in the day. You can do it! Prioritize, and only do what you can. As for the zit - I'm sure its' much larger to you than anyone else. Have you tried toothpaste? Seriously helps dry it out quick.
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