Matt. 5: 14-16 (msg)

Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

“By opening up to others”….

Sounds a lot like being vulnerable to me!

To Open Up means : To speak freely or to be without restraint

It is not easy to open up – we all have our fears, worries, anxiety, and apprehension when it comes to speaking freely.

We wonder – if we speak – will we be judged?

Will I look stupid?

Will someone reject me?

but…..we all know to be real is important!

To be honest is important!

To be who we are and live what we are is important!

and when we don’t ….WE LACK LIFE! (really living!)

So we have this GRAND ISSUE!

I have this grand issue….

To be or not to be …..YOUR CHOICE/MY CHOICE

Do you ever hear yourself in your head like I do, when I have said what I think …..the swirl of emotions bending my mind to panic over what another might have thought or I choose to think myself into anger with a spur kick of “ Well, If they don’t like it -tough!!!”  just so that I can get over it. (can anyone say repression?)

BUT…. it is the same if I don’t ! If I say nothing I feel invisible…without form …and frankly isolated. My mind condemning my for cowardice and my heart seeing it failure to find courage to be real.

This verse is helpful ….a clear and true reminder of why I need to speak openly about what I think and feel and be who I am ….because it simply says:

By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God

God created me to be a communicative being and to communicate with Him and others. IN this communication when I am open and honest with others….the realness shining through me somehow allows others to be that way to!

AMAZING!

It is truth that sets us free …after all!

STAND IN THE FACE OF FEAR …

ONE VULNERABLE MOMENT AT A TIME ….

His grace is sufficient!

STARLA