WHY DON'T YOU MAKE LIKE GLASS AND BE TRANSPARENT!
There was a repeated theme that I heard in my women's group today at church, that I thought worth sharing with you guys. Funny thing is, it's something that had come across my mind while I was driving to the class. Wonder if God wanted it to resonate in my spirit then huh?:) It was on the matter of transparency, being open and honest about our mistakes, not to draw sympathy, but to (1) admit before God or agree with God that we are sinful or that we have sinned against Him and possibly someone else, (2)help someone else who has been going through the same thing or is going through the same thing have someone real that they can identify with, and (3) help others come out of shame, self-disgust, blame, etc. and let their walls down so that they can begin to heal. Is this not an important thing to do for all of us?
We need to be as transparent as glass. Of course, we always need to pray about what to say and when to say it, but once it becomes obvious that the time and place is appropriate and safe, we need to BE TRANSPARENT. It is necessary, crucial, freeing (for both parties), detoxifying, a growth opportunity, healing, the list can go on and on. God uses transparency and so it cannot be a bad thing. We must pray to God so that He can reveal its value.
Worrying about whether being transparent will have someone look at you in a negative light is a trick or device of the enemy. If you're in the right company, and God has prompted you to speak and be transparent, He WILL USE IT for your benefit and the listener's and He won't miss the mark. If there is someone there who would use your words against you later, there are many more there that will benefit, and you can't worry about what someone might say. Have you obeyed God in the face of the enemy is the question. God won't allow that person to damage your character/reputation/testimony permanently. You belong to Him. He loves, shields, and protects what's His. You can count on it, no matter what it looks like right then. You will also probably find that everyone else who took your transparency the right way will come to your defense and rescue if someone does try and use your words to hurt or damage you. You need not worry. Pray for them and give the situation to God.
I have always considered myself to be somewhat transparent, but I realize the longer I walk with Christ, I could have been more so at one time or another, again when it was appropriate and would have helped someone. We tend to want to keep some things to ourselves, thinking "How can this help anyone?" or "Now, this is just too bad to tell." All of your experiences aren't horrifying, but even if they are, most, if not all, at some point or another, as you grow and walk with the Lord and love on other people, are or can be helpful.
Let's pray to God for the ability to be transparent. Ultimately, you won't regret it. The listener who greatly benefits certainly won't regret it either. They will be so much better for it. Nothing is wasted; none of your experiences...ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. God is the only one that can turn our bad into good. Praise His Holy, Sovereign, Gracious, Tenderhearted Name!!! I'm glad He is using my experiences and I pray that someone is drawn nearer to Him because of them.
One more thing. You ultimately brag on your Big God when people can see where He has brought you from or out of. It tells them instantly that He can and will do the same for them. Again, Praise His Holy name!
Be wise this Wednesday. Be transparent!
8 comments:
There is absolutely nothing more appealing to me in a Christian woman than transparency. It is the foundation of a REAL friendship and it allows us to be shown grace and to show it to others...
Anything less than that is a detriment to being a witness and a ones portrayal of a true reflection of Christ.
Wonderful post.
Anna,
Thank you so much for stopping by. I love your comment here. It is so true! Thanks again.
Well said, my sister, well said! I just love your blog!! Mostly I "lurk" and don't comment, but I do enjoy!!
Thanks for "lurking" Patrice. Commenting is great, but not necessary. Sometimes, we just pick up information and we move on. Thanks for the compliment. Most people might be surprised to know that I try and remember to consult the Lord before I post, especially on Wednesdays, so that I can say what He would want me to or share something relevant, uplifting, challenging, and useful. I try. I don't have the most decorated blog, but I try to be thoughtful. I haven't gotten talented enough yet to do both:)
This is a very important post. I've been so hurt by "church" ladies in the past. I've made it my goal in life to be transparent. Some folks may not like what they see, but it's who I am :)
Mrs. Annie, 100% of the human population aren't going to like us. We can't please everybody, but we should strive to be pleasing to God, so if you're doing that and being transparent, hey, what do you have to worry about? And church people--they will either love on you real good or hurt you real bad. There is rarely an in between. Go with God. It's a safer, surer bet:)
What a FABULOUS post. Allowing yourself to become transparent is hard and can only be done with the help of our Lord. I love this particular quote:
"...on the matter of transparency, being open and honest about our mistakes, not to draw sympathy, but to (1) admit before God or agree with God that we are sinful or that we have sinned against Him and possibly someone else, (2)help someone else who has been going through the same thing or is going through the same thing have someone real that they can identify with"
How true! My father passed a few years back and it was devastating to me. I openly shared my hurts with close family and friends. They watched my emotions fluctuate and my faith waver. I became VERY transparent!
These same friends and family saw me overcome and regain my footing. Since that time, 3 people close to me have lost a father. I finally see that God used my father's passing as a way to help others in that situation.
What a dynamic post! Thank you for posting.
I'll definitely be back for some Wednesday Wisdom!
Andrea, thank you for stopping by here again. I really enjoy Wed. Wis. on my blog. I tell ya, I have great respect for people who allow themselves to be transparent, learn from it, grow in it, and then help others without even realizing it; just letting God use the timing and the words spoken for His glory and someone else's good. He is sheer perfection. I just love Him so much. I'm looking forward to my friends meeting me here any time.
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