Living as an open book is easier said than done. Sometimes ministry requires us to open a few more pages and let our reader in.
What will it take for you to share certain pages of your life story? Is it necessary for all of us to share our past or painful secrets online?
For some the answer is yes. They feel a strong call to be transparent. Especially if they have found victory over an area. They are compelled to use their freedom to reach out to others, even if it’s risky business. Even if others don’t agree. Even if people might talk.
This is my calling. A hand reaching out to rescue another. It’s not always easy. It’s messy.
For others not so public is required. They are responders. They reach out to a friend if a topic comes up over lunch or coffee, using their experiences to encourage, comfort or help. They are not asked to go public. That’s perfectly okay too. We need their stories too.
And then there are those who are still healing. They will one day reach out with their story, but not right now. Right now it’s time to be quiet. Time to hear the truth of the Word and be set free. They are right where they need to be. Hidden. By design.
The last group are those who battle with the reality of some of their story. They are not sure they even want to glance at where they’ve been. It’s ugly, ugly. Meanwhile their battle wounds continue to bleed, leaving a trailing mark of where they’ve been. Their pain is visible to others by the way they deal with life’s circumstances. They may feel hopeless. Anger comes out without warning. They may not know where to start. Hope and healing, come–sooner than later!
Here’s my deal. For the past few weeks, I have fasted. Not all food but some. When I felt hungry, I asked God to fill me. This was intentional time of seeking God for 2011. To grow closer to Him. And honestly it was revealing. I saw the places of my heart that needed a good washing. Confession was front and center day after day. It was bittersweet.
During my fast, part of my story continued to come to the surface of my heart. So soon I will share more online. It’s time. Over 20 years after the fact gives me perspective to share. (So far I share my story when I speak to women and among friends, but online would be a new territory. Yes, after 6 years of blogging. A stretch indeed!)
I only want to share more if sharing extends a hand to another and brings glory to God alone.
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)
Q4U: Are you an open book? If so, why? If not, why not?
(pic mine, school book)
Absolutely. This post spoke to me today. I’m somewhere in the middle of those options. So much has happened over the past few years that it’s hard, at best, to work it all out. I am also fasting and focusing more on the LORD and listening to HIM for direction. Praise God! To answer your question I’m like the Look Inside option that Amazon offers for its books. Only portions are viewable. God’s still working out the rest. It will be coming… in the future sometime.
Wow, Kimberly. I love your added view on the book preview. I get that. I’m like that too.
So thankful you are seeking MORE of HIM this year. I know He will lead you to the next step. Follow Him alone.
Oh and I truly believe if we give God our mess, He will use it. Placing all the broken pieces in places He chooses, when He chooses. He is creating something beautiful out of our past. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
I enjoyed reading this and you definitions of to share or not. I tend to be the kind who shares but have found myself waffling with it with my blogging. I am not sure how much is enough to be a help or not. You have given me food for thought.
It is a personal decision. One I know that God will answer if we ask and wait for His answer. May You live fully to please God Almighty, Terri. His eye is on you.
Love you, Tiffany! I’ll be here reading what you write.
Thank you, Melanie. You are a real friend. 🙂
Hello Tiffany
I enjoyed the read,and I’m also somewhere in the middle. I believe it’s important that we share as much as God leads us to,he knows who needs what we’ve got to offer. It’s so wonderful blogging for Jesus and meeting other sisters & brothers,learning from one another as we walk with Jesus. I think it’s easier to share the deep hidden things online more so than in real life,kind of funny really. Come over and visit me at wordpress.
Love you