Recently I had a pleasant conversation with my oldest son. I give him as much information as he needs to know about my life. While I want to be open and honest with him, there are some things that he just doesn’t need to know. As I talked with him, I thought about my mother and a few of the secrets that she took to her grave. In some ways, I felt like I really didn’t know her. Shame overwhelmed truth in some instances, and I have more questions than answers about some of the choices that she made in her life.
The truth is a very powerful and arduous reality in which to live because it requires trust and an investment in relationships. Being free of judgment means letting go of insecurities that knock us to our knees. We are let loose from the shackles that weigh us down and overwhelm us. Our time of slavery comes to an end, and we celebrate the freedom to embrace who we are, warts and all.
The psalmist wrote, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps. 139:14 NKJV). Later the Gospel writer of John declares that knowing the truth, which is the “You” in the last sentence, will set us free (Jn. 8:32). These statements are direct callings to invite us into the light of the Holy One of Israel. We are people of hope and require no shadows to hide our complete selves. The light embraces us in holy warmth, healing us from the pain of our past.
Today I am grateful for stepping further and further into my truth. I share my deepest self with beautiful people and continue to grow in the abundant love that moves me forward. Praise be to God for freedom and all that it entails. With truth, there is a light that illumines our paths and gives us the courage to boldly proclaim that we are children of the Most-High God.
From a Pastor's Point of View 