The Courage to Be Seen
“The moment that you feel that, just possibly, you’re walking down the street naked, exposing too much of your heart and your mind and what exists on the inside, showing too much of yourself. That’s the moment you may be starting to get it right.”
One of the most challenging things that I have ever had to face, that we all eventually have to face, is vulnerability... my vulnerability. Locked behind bars of shame, hinging on fear, I've learned to hide this vulnerable piece of my heart out of sight, up in the tallest tower, where no one would consider the quest for a daring rescue worth all the trouble. But there is quite a large problem with this method of survival; over time, it becomes harder and harder to break down the fortress that guards your soul from the rest of the world. And this world desperately needs your soul fully alive and able to offer what only it can bring to the table.
God Himself is a mysterious God, Who takes great delight in giving us a life full of beauty, love, adventure, daring quests, and of course, mystery. Each of us holds within us a piece of that mystery. But when we hide behind our fears, insecurities, and pride, we are selfishly diminishing the mystery within us. What's inside you is greater than what you feel and it should be deemed more important.
As C.S. Lewis puts it, "There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind." And I say it's time to leave behind the worry, fear, and insecurity and embrace the uncertain future, for only there can we experience true freedom. Fear doesn't change based on circumstances or emotions, but on the determination of the heart. And when we decide that we will not live through fear, then fear itself becomes obsolete, meaningless. But the decision must come first.
Sure people will see the flaws, but they will also see what God has gifted only you to reveal. Being brave isn't an emotion, but rather a decision in the midst of terrifying emotions. And being brave is exactly who we were created to be.
“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; He won’t leave you”