Being transparent can be really hard especially if you grew up on the defense. I was taught that I couldn’t let anyone know everything about you. It was so that I was protected against letting anyone use my experiences against me in a hurtful way or judge me by them. The problem is, I became fearful of people over time, even those who loved me the most and I learned to suppress some of the challenges I faced, even after they were over. It became important for me to keep up appearances; you can read about some of those in the previous blogs.
For the past two years I have really been strengthened by the testimonies of others. It is the first time that I have noticed how open and honest some people can be despite having pressure to maintain a reputation from their immediate social circle. I have heard from Christians who once struggled with addictions, depression, in abusive relationships and a list of other things that I never would know just by seeing how good life is for them at present. The beauty in their testimonies came from an emphasis on a God who rescues us in the deepest, darkest, most horrific experiences that threaten one’s person-hood. Since I have been so impacted by their experiences, I am choosing to be more transparent for the benefit of others as well.
While I think that one should be wise when choosing to share intimate details of their life, I also believe that it is not good to live with the fear of what others might do to us. It has robbed some of us from sharing the grace God has poured out in our lives. In turn, some people who really need to know that He can heal and wants to restore them from their brokenness, are really missing out on that knowledge. As a result, people who are suffering will continue to feel alone, without hope, and live with a sense of shame. The devil magnifies condemnation. The effects can kill a person before they actually die – if you know what I mean. Think about how much someone living in that bondage needs to hear about the intimate God who stopped by and was so attentive to offer His strength and has the capacity to transform their lives. He can even cause the bad to work out for good (Romans 8: 28).
Today, I make the appeal to you to stay connected to God and share those testimonies of redemption. Remember the Lover of your soul who rescued you and how He ministered grace in your life. Remember the release from sinful strongholds of sin and hardships you have experienced. Pray for God to instill that compassion for others to be so strong that even the threat of shame and fear has no place to be cultivated in you. Ask God for boldness to share with others about the work He has done in your life. People will always have something to say but you will over come by the word of your testimony (Rev 12:11).
I encourage you to read the story of a woman who Jesus met at a well in the book of John 4: 1-42. In His compassion, He saved her from a life of adultery. He did not use her life choices against her but offered her new life. She took Him up on this offer and immediately she was changed. She ran with excitement to share her experience with others. Can you imagine the joy she felt for what He had done for her? She helped others come Him and find this man who met her at the well. She is an example for us all. Below is a video of another testimony that has moved me. Please watch it and think : who do you know that could benefit from your testimony?
Be open, honest and know that He has your whole life in His hands. Stay connected to God – He is happy to have that connection with you.
Stay Connected to God 