Well friends we've made it to blog post number THREE of Blog Month!! It's crazy to think that I only have one more blog to post next week in order to not only have completed the challenge of Blog Month, but also to have CRUSHED it! I've so enjoyed getting to write for you guys and am so blown away by all of the love and support you've shown me! God has revealed some incredible things to me through these posts and it has truly been such a sweet time of dwelling with my Father and growing more intimate in my relationship with Him. Please feel free to share this post with anyone and everyone ya know and tell them to subscribe because (drum roll please.........) I only need FIVE MORE SUBSCRIBERS to reach my goal of at least 50!!! Anyway let's take it way with post #3 and #BLOGITLIKEITSHOT.
Transparency; when something is easily seen through, recognized, or detected. Many things exhibit this characteristic, such as glass or water, but transparency can also be demonstrated by an individual in their daily life. Transparent people are those that, upon discretion, share not just the highs of life, but the lows as well; the good, the bad, and the ugly. These people are often seen as "real" because they tend to divulge what's fully going on in their life, rather than masking what they're truly feeling. These individuals aren't afraid to speak of their struggles, or reach out for help and support when time's get difficult. People like this tend to draw others in because of their honesty and because others, more often than not, can relate to that which they are going through. These individuals help us to realize that we're not so alone after all, and just because we may be "going through something" doesn't mean we have to isolate and withdraw.
If transparency draws others in, makes "outsiders" feel included, and allows for open and honest discussion, than why do we as Christians so often shy away from transparency in our own lives? I know that for myself I allowed the devil to convince me that I was weak for what I was feeling, I was alone in all that I was dealing with, and I would be judged if I were to share of my hardships or reach out for help. Little did either of us know that opening up about my struggles, both past and present, would allow for healing of both myself and others who related to my story. Owning my hurts and faults would bring about some of the most uplifting and life-giving conversations that I've ever been a part of. Not only realizing, but also being willing to accept and share that which I was going through brought people into my life who have fought for me, opened up to me, and poured love and truth into my life.
I used to be ashamed of my eating disorder, but I can't tell you how many people have disclosed similar hardships with me or uttered the phrase "I thought I was the only one." I used to downplay and lie about my anxiety, but once I came clean about when I needed some extra help and learned to own the fact that "no, sometimes I don't have it altogether," it showed me how Christ is truly made stronger during our weakest of moments. It showed me how He is able to use something even as unsettling as a panic attack to draw others to Him and glorify His namesake.
Hear me when I say this, it is OKAY to NOT BE OKAY all the time but you are in no way, shape, or form alone in what you're experiencing. The enemy on the other hand would love nothing more than to convince you that you are. He wants you to believe that you are weak, and that you are the only one who feels the way that you do. I'm here to tell you there truly is hope and healing to anything and everything that you may be going through. There is an answer to your anxiety. There is deliverance from your depression. There is freedom from your so-called "failures," and His name is Jesus.
I've opened up about many of the things I've struggled with in my life such as my eating disorder, my anxiety and depression, and since doing so it has brought me into a deeper and more intimate relationship with my heavenly Father, allowed me to become an advocate for and speak up on behalf of mental health issues (that more individuals than you realize are dealing with), and helped me in my own pursuit of recovery to build up a team of individuals who love and support me in all that I'm going through.
We as Christians need to pledge to become more transparent in what we are feeling and experiencing in our day to day lives. Just because we are Christians doesn't mean we don't experience hurt, heartbreak, or loss. Just because we are Christians doesn't mean that we sometimes won't worry, obsess, or feel fear. Just because we are Christians doesn't mean that we are perfect, aren't allowed to make mistakes, or that we will have all the "right" answers to the problems that life hurls our way. Being Christians reminds us that we are loved, and that we have been given and are freely able to receive mercy and walk in grace during tough time's. When we live transparent lives we are more often than not able to see fruit as a result of doing so. Others, both believers and nonbelievers, will view us as more approachable and feel safe about talking to us about the problems they are facing. Transparency will allow for more intimate relationships rather than superficial ones that shy away from authenticity and depth. If we aren't open with others they may keep to themselves, therefore hindering those things that the Bible instructs of us such as bearing each other's burdens, being able to care, comfort, and encourage one another, and the ability to weep with others in time's of sorrow and rejoice with others in life's joy-filled moments.
Now I'm not saying that you need to go up to each stranger you meet and reveal every minute detail of your life to them. Listen and be open to the Holy Spirit's discretion about what to share and with whom. If He lays it on your heart to open up about something, whether it be something from your past or a storm you currently find yourself weathering, will you be willing to do so?
Your past hurts no longer get to distract you, but can unveil both your eyes and the eyes of someone fighting the same battle you once faced. Your mistakes don't have to be secret baggage weighing you down, but can rather inspire freedom and healing to those who thought they were the only one who struggled with such a thing. We as Christians all have incredible stories that make up our lives because our lives tell the story of Jesus and His love for a dark and trying world. Never be afraid to tell your story because God can and will use both the marvelous and the messy details to draw others into a life and relationship with Him. You have power and a purpose my friend and so many people out there are inspired and motivated by YOUR story!
All my love,
Meagan!
