Being transparent with people is...

Being transparent with people is the best way to have relationships.  If we’re honest with others about our own challenges in life, it can be a definite encouragement to others.  But being transparent can be a challenge in itself.  I have found that many folks don’t want to be transparent.  So many folks don’t want others to see their flaws…but we all have flaws…there’s no getting around it!  No need to pretend that you don’t...and no need to pretend that you have it all figured out, either!

 

When we overcome a flaw, being transparent with others allows us to share how the Lord has helped us to overcome and it encourages others that may be dealing with the same issue.  It also gives us a chance to share the things that we’ve overcome…giving us confidence.    

 

The trouble is judgment that can come from others when you’re being transparent.  From my own experience I have found that there are always those who want to tell me how to fix my issue, rather than listen to what I am saying…and usually they’re the folks who don’t like to be transparent.  I have learned to just blow it off or let it roll off like water off a duck’s back.  Now…that’s easily said here, but honestly, it has taken some time for me to get to that place…and depending on the subject, I still struggle with it from time to time. 

 

Remember that we’re all going through this thing called life.  We all have only 24 hours in a day and we all breathe the same air.  No one is more special than anyone else.  We all have challenges to overcome…some more than others...so don’t judge.  Be transparent with yourself and others.  You’ll find that the more transparent you become, usually the more transparent others around you will become as well.

 

Keep Jesus on the throne of your heart and remember that it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks about you.  It only matters what God thinks about you…and He loves you more than any word can express.