"Truth is harder than a lie. The dark seems safer than the light. Everyone has a heart that loves to hide."
In this tech-centered, ever-busy, oversharing nation we live in, what IS truth?
The lines have become very blurred. Every day we are exposed to media that twists the truth to make it newsworthy and improve ratings. We are knee-deep in an election season filled with candidates who wouldn't know honesty if it struck them upside the head. People lie, cheat, and steal to get to the top all while falsely claiming their innocence.
How often do you keep our thoughts to ourselves for fear of ridicule? How many dreams go unfulfilled for fear of failure? How many suffer silently for fear of confiding in others?
It's easy to fall into the trap of comparing our life to the small glimpse we see of others' lives and feeling less than. If we really understood the whole picture; the true lives we all live each and every day, I am certain most of us would have a different opinion of ourselves, our families, and our own lives.
Truth is subjective.
"I'm a mess and so are you. We've built walls nobody can get through."
On the surface, many of us appear to have it together. We plaster on our smile, hide behind our busyness, and assure everyone that all is okay...even if it's not and in all likelihood there are days/weeks/months/years when it is not.
With less face-to-face and verbal contact, we seem to be losing authenticity in our relationships. We can hide behind the screens and say what comes to mind, without seeing the effect those words have on those on the receiving end. We can also hide behind a less-than-truthful response with no one present to call us on our bluff.
Social media outlets, email, and texting are impacting our relationships and not in the most positive of ways. Rather than delving deeper into our relationships through conversation, we skim the top layer through brief texts and chats. Many of our relationships never develop past the surface level. We are afraid to share our true selves, but in looking at the bigger picture, we are "too busy" putting everyone else first to take the time to grow a relationship through time spent together and actually talking.
It is the way of communication in the 21st century, but personally I think it sucks.
"Yeah it may be hard but the best things we could ever do. Ever do. Bring your brokenness and I'll bring mine. 'Cause love can heal what hurt divides. And mercy's waiting on the other side. If we're honest."
Maybe our lives would feel more complete and fulfilled if we dropped the act, put ourselves out there, and took the time to really connect with people.
"Don't pretend to be something that you're not. Living life afraid of getting caught. There is freedom found when we lay our secrets down at the cross. At the cross."
It can be easy to walk through life and be the person we feel others want us to be: the devoted wife, doting mother, PTA president, Sunday school teacher, career woman, volunteer extraordinaire...but if you tune everyone out and listen to the voice within, you may find you're not on the right path.
Do you feel fulfilled and alive? If not, it's time to stop pretending and begin striving to live an intentional, purposeful life that fills you up. The benefits will extend far beyond yourself.
"So bring your brokenness and I'll bring mine. 'Cause love can heal what hurt divides. And mercy's waiting on the other side. If we're honest."
Conflict is uncomfortable, yet it's a part of life. Personally it is something I struggle with immensely. I am a stuffer. Rather than confronting someone and resolving the issue, I tend to stuff it down where it stays and festers and ultimately leads to resentment.
While I realize stuffing is not healthy, I will avoid sitting down with someone at all costs to resolve an issue. My verbal skills stink. I can write my thoughts very succinctly, but I cannot articulate them out loud, because I get emotional and flustered very quickly.
In my situation, the brokenness tends to remain broken. Rather than healing, I temporarily bandage the wound only to find it to return time and time again.
Perhaps you can relate. Do you push everything down and never heal the brokenness?
It is time to heal no matter how hard it may be.
Can you imagine how wonderful it would feel to share your story, resolve conflict, and forgive yourself and others?
My current struggle is figuring out the next chapter in life. It's letting go of the guilt and accepting that it's okay to pursue big dreams. In fact, it's better than ok. It's really magnificent, honorable, and a great example for the little ones who are watching. We only get one shot at this life and our days are numbered.
I just need to give myself permission and not look back. My guess is you do, too.
"So bring your brokenness and I'll bring mine. 'Cause love can heal what hurt divides. And mercy's waiting on the other side. If we're honest."
The first person we need to be honest with? Ourselves. We need to search within and find our truth. To heal the wounds we've likely inflicted upon ourselves (ahem, "mom guilt" or"I'm not enough" syndrome anyone?!) and those that involve others.
Let go of the facade and live a life of truth. Stop creating expectations we cannot live up to and accept our limitations. Make personal relationships a priority rather than a luxury. Stop hiding behind screens and take the time to actually see people.
Perhaps the best gift of all is to free ourselves. Eliminate the negative self-talk and accept that while our marriages..children..homes..bodies..friendships...etc. are far from perfect, we are doing our best.
"If we're honest. If we're honest. If we're honest."
My life may be messy, broken, and imperfect.
If we're being honest, yours probably is, too.
#theyearofpeople
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