Let’s Get Real

I’ve often heard “the struggle is real,” but how often are we real about the struggle? How often are we willing to admit we actually don’t have it all together, that we are really just figuring it out as we go? How often do we make ourselves vulnerable, willing to risk appearing weak in the eyes of others?

As I long to be authentic about life, I’m learning that it takes much courage to be vulnerable, to be real. Most people are more comfortable when we push forward as if all is well and right in our world. But that’s simply not real life. So let’s get real, shall we?

Did your day go exactly as planned? Nothing unexpected? No frustrations, distractions or fears? No? Me neither. Today I’m feeling burdened and very much out of control of several completely unrelated circumstances. New seasons in parenting, new responsibilities in caring for parents, new roles and opportunities in my job, the surrender of personal dreams and goals, and waiting for God to make certain things beautiful in its time. Honestly, I’m both eager and afraid of the journey ahead. I’m feeling hugely inadequate and unprepared for so many unknowns. My mind questions if I can (or want to) even do this. And I’m frustrated because I know better. I know God is faithful. I know He goes before me. I know He is using all this to grow me to be more like Him. I know He is with me always and will provide all that I need. I know that He promises to work all things together for the good of those who love Him. But sometimes I just can’t make myself feel in my heart what I know in my head. Sometimes I need to allow myself to work through these emotions, cry it out before God, and trust that my heart will eventually catch up. It will be okay- I will be okay- because of what I know to be true. But it may take me a while to get there- and that too is okay.

I share because I know I’m not alone in this. I share because I want you to know that you’re not alone either. We were created to be in community with one another, encouraging and spurring one another on in faith and good deeds. But we can’t do that if we refuse to be vulnerable by acknowledging our struggles and admitting the real condition of our hearts.

Today my heart is heavy, carrying the weight of many things. What’s your struggle? I challenge you to get real about it, because none of us has it all together. And that, my friends, is real life.

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