Honest relationships are the best … and honest relationships are hard to come by.
I have to choose to completely trust someone before I open up to them and show them who I am — the good, bad, and the broken. And when I do that, I hope the other person respects what I’ve shared by believing me. I don’t want to have to prove anything. Or repeat myself, reminding them of what I’ve said. I don’t want to be doubted. If I say, “This is who I am,” then that is the truth, and the story won’t change.
As author Timothy Keller said, “To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial.” The most meaningful relationships are steeped in both love that is willing to risk knowing another person and belief that who you say you are is the truth — and who you are is valuable.
For a lot of years, I hid my brokenness from others. But brokenness is part of my story. Wounds — and healing — are part of my story. And I want to be honest about both. And when someone shows me who they are — the good, the bad and the broken — I am honored.
In Your Words: What helps you tell the truth of your story to others?
[ctt template=”8″ link=”09dvU” via=”yes” ]In Others\’ Words: Who are You? http://wp.me/p63waO-2ob #quotes #trust[/ctt] [ctt template=”8″ link=”5e7Cv” via=”yes” ]\”When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.\” http://wp.me/p63waO-2ob #quote #trust [/ctt]
Comments 10
Thanks, Beth. In some beautiful ways our wounds and brokenness are holes giving God opportunity to fill with Himself and shine and sparkle. Scripture says, he who is forgiven much, loves much. In the same way, like with the story of hungry people and a few loaves and fishes, HE blesses, breaks, and distributes, and somewhere in that process, the little we have been and the broken bits get multiplied. I am amazed and grateful at all He does.
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Dee: I love how you wove God into our brokenness because it is only as He heals our wounds that there is any beauty in them. And yes, I, too, am amazed and grateful at all He does. And I am grateful for the people in my life who are trustworthy. People like you.
The truth of my story has come to a single, fixed point. This is the dawn of my very own St. Crispin’s Day, and I am Legend.
The good may die young, but bada** lives forever.
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Andrew, my friend:
The truth of your story encompasses so, so much. You are, above all else, honest. And honorable. And trustworthy. I have believed every word you’ve said.
I’m coming late to the party today. Beth, I loved this post. Your question only took a couple of seconds to answer in my mind. Because you, my friend, have helped me, put words to my story. What helps me tell the truth of my story to others are these things: 1) Someone who listens rather than trying to fix, 2) someone who has empathy, and yet speaks truth, and 3) someone who is trustworthy and has shown such by the first two items listed.
I’ve learned to tell the truth of my story by being believed and valued.
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Jeanne: Your words blessed me. Your friendship is a treasure. <3
Beth,
When I think of being honestly transparent, I cannot help but think of the verse in Revelation, “They (the saints) overcame by the word of their testimony and the blood of the Lamb.” To me, there are three parts to this verse. First and foremost, everything…every single thing…is overshadowed by the perfect, precious blood of the Lamb. Second, others can overcome their trials, when I share mine. Finally, when I look back on who I was, it gives me courage to take the next step to who I will be.
I look forward to your e-mails each week! Generally, I send them on to someone I love, because you speak Truth simply, honestly, and filled with love. Thank you for speaking Truth into my life.
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Heather: Thank you for joining the conversation. I so appreciate your perspective and how it directs us back to God. And thank you for encouraging me, too.
Another good post, Beth. I’ve been told lots of times I don’t have to tell everything and I don’t have to be so honest, but here it is. Permission to keep living how it works best for me. 🙂
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Kim: Honesty is freeing — for us, and for us. Be yourself. You’re beautiful.