Learning to be Real

I was raised, as I am sure so many were, that to live a good Christian life we are not supposed to have troubles. And if we are experiencing them, we are not supposed to share them because that would not be trusting in God.

Over the last few years this belief has been greatly tested and tried. How is it possible to be real with people when you never talk about the real issues in life? How can anyone relate to you, when you have a seemingly perfect life? I now believe that when we share what we are truly going through, then our relationship with others will grow. Then we can grow. Maybe if we share the things we are going through, others will not feel all alone. Maybe, just by the way we are handling our struggles, others will be encouraged that there is a way to overcome theirs.

Lately, our struggle has been with finances. There is very little. As my husband and I have shared our situation, how in pursuing our passions and trying to fulfill the call the Lord has on our life, we are struggling. The Lord has brought people around us to encourage us, to pray with us, and to bless us. We have grown closer to the Lord. We have realized that we are not alone. And others have been able to share their needs as well. My heart has become softened to others needs and together we are able to lift one another up. I am still growing and learning. I am still trying to find the balance between sharing our needs (it is so hard to do) and sharing the goodness of the Lord (because He is soooo good and we are truly blessed). But each day I am learning. Each day I am growing. And each day I am trying to be more like Jesus. Is my life perfect? No way. But my life is growing and changing each day, as I try to live more like him.

So let's share with one another. Let's be real. Let's walk together and through it we will all feel His goodness and love wrapping itself all around us.