Transparency- Let's Be Real

I had no idea!

When people hear about a suicide... 

They say "we had no idea he was going through such pain"

I had no idea!

I counseled with a women about to file for divorce after 40 years of marriage.

Forty Years...

It was depressing.

I had no idea!

"I don't know this man" she said after learning of some disturbing sin he was caught in.

I had no idea!

What is the problem?

Why are people failing to reveal red flags that they are trouble in such a deep way?

I am not an expert but here's what I believe is going on---

Lack of transparency

We often feel we need to wear a mask. 

I was thinking about this the other day in church worship-

"We'll be a church ready for you" 

But are we?

Are we a church ready for Christ's return ?

"Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready." Revelation 19:7 (NIV) 

Are we a bride -holy -virgin -waiting in excitement and anticipation decked out with our bridal clothes and jewelry?

Ready for the groom?

That worship song brought me back to a dream I had before I got married. I had a dream that I woke up late on my wedding day.

I had to put on my dress, fix my hair fast and my girlfriends were pushing me out the door...because the groom was waiting.

I was not ready...I didn't have my make up on!

I walked down the aisle and felt embarrassed. I didn't have the chance to apply my make up and truly look my best for my groom.

As silly as it sounds...I have never forgotten this dream.

See ...we have a face we all try to keep up with.

When others ask you "how are you?"

We give the general "ok" or "fine"

We are not real.

We don't tell the truth.

I'm hurting. 

OR

I just got bad news

OR 

My marriage is sour right now

OR

I feel distant from The Lord

OR

I don't know what's wrong, I'm just blue, can I get a hug?

No.

We lie through our teeth and make-up and say "I'm fine"

I'm asking God to break us of this.

I'm asking God to make us transparent and be real with each other...

To pray and fast for each other

To esteem others better than ourselves! (Philippians 2:3)

I'm asking Jesus to make us a bride ready for His coming

We can't keep walking around with wounds and suck it all in.

We need to be real with each other

How many marriages can use prayer from a true friend?

How many moms need a shoulder to cry on?

How many ladies who can't conceive need to weep and let it all out and pray and receive encouragement from another lady who has been through the same trial? (Romans 12:15)

We need transparency. 

We need to be the Acts 2:42 church. 

We need to become the house of prayer and a beacon of hope to the world. (Isaiah 57:7)

Let's be real and love people and say  "I had no idea you were hurting. But now I know and let's pray and let me share a verse that helped me"