Whatever the revelation light exposes, it will also correct, and everything that reveals truth is light to the soul. Ephesians 5:13 (TPT)
Revelation Light – Weaker/Stronger Series – Part 2
Go to PART 1
The problem with hiding ourselves away, especially the darker parts of our makeup, is that there aren’t enough hiding places to go around. The shifting nature of our own growth, and in turn, the world around us, means that at some point, in some way, the things we have worked so hard to hide will come bursting forth out into the open. Often, depending on how long something has been kept in the shadows, this unveiling is violent and erupts in ways beyond our control.
This happened to my family a few years ago, when a very dark and well-kept secret was driven from its hiding place and tore my family apart. We’re still picking up the pieces. I can’t help but wonder what would have happened if the weakness was embraced (not indulged… more on that in the coming days) and graced upon by people and words and prayers and institutions, years earlier.
And it's not just secrets and sins that we try to hide, it’s the stuff that we feel awkward about, too. That we’d rather people not notice or realize. The things we think might make us too different, too far removed from that ever elusive sense of belonging that we all desire. The weird and the unacceptable parts of our lives.
Hidden things.
We think that we’re doing our best work when we put our best foot forward and keep the other stuff tucked away, covered up by all our goodness and talents and skills and achievements and charisma and more…
It hasn’t been until I've taken my weaknesses (it's an ongoing process) out of the closet and shown them some attention, brought them into the light and spoken with them – sometimes tenderly, other times ardently – that I’ve started building some health and strength into them.
On a podcast I listened to recently, Mark Nepo said, “There’s a big difference between giving attention and getting attention.”
I think that's one of our greatest collective weakness. Our desire to get attention, our need to project an image of success and polish, or rightness and perfection. To be noticed and adored. In our pursuit of these things, we hide away the things that we think sabotage our belonging.
But you have to subvert that idea: it is in embracing our weaknesses; by giving attention to the brutal AND the wonderful, that we find the grace we need to be fully seen, fully heard, and fully known. Strengths, weaknesses and all. The whole truth.
Ephesians 5:13: “Whatever the revelation light exposes, it will also correct, and everything that reveals truth is light to the soul.”
Truth and light are nothing to be afraid of. They are, in fact, two of the most healing friends one could have.
Go to Part 3 – Strength and Power »
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