Friday, September 20, 2013

So here it is... and what it's about.

There's been a conversation whirling around and around and around me for months now on many fronts about what it means to be "real" with each other, and about how our communities of faith (which for me, is my church) should be a "safe place" to be ourselves, REALLY our REAL SELVES.

There's a general consensus (at least among the people who are talking to me about it) that there's a difference between our "Sunday selves" and our "Monday through Saturday selves".  OK, the word "selves" is starting to look weird because I've now used it far too often in a short period.  Carrying on regardless.

So this is what I'd like to write about, and talk about, and encourage conversation about.  I want to be the person God created me to be, and that includes honoring who I am in this moment, whatever that looks like. Sometimes that includes some salty language and ugly crying.  Sometimes that includes an adult beverage and feeling sorry for myself.  Much of the time it SHOULD involve a little more time on my knees or on my face at the foot of the throne of the King above all kings, but I'm trying really hard to stop "shoulding" all over myself.

Being the same, inside and out, through and through, consistently, is, to me, the very definition of integrity.  If that means that I have to be transparent about what I'm going through so that people really can see that the struggle within me is the actual struggle du jour (and hey, it changes pretty frequently, if I'm being honest, which is, after all, the POINT), then so be it.  Sunday through Sunday.

So I want to talk about what REAL really looks like.  I want to talk about INTEGRITY.  Some of the conversation is likely to be about what the opposite of those things are so we can identify them and learn to recognize them so we can choose to avoid them, but a bitch-fest is NOT the point here.  (And yes, that WAS some salty language in there, so if "bitch-fest" offends you, then either you're in the wrong place or you're about to be challenged by my choices.)



15 comments:

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    1. You're the awesomes, Maya. Thank you so much for your continued cheerleadering!!!

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  2. I find it hard to be completely real with other Christians sometimes. Not because I have some sordid secret life that I'm trying to hide (I don't), but because of judgement I've received in the past. Can't wait to read more about what "real" means to you!

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    1. Thank you Emily for your vulnerable and honest feedback! That is exactly why I'm starting to talk about this, because so much pain hides in the darkness, convincing us all that we're alone!

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  3. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that you are starting a blog and I have already subscribed! I think you are an awesome person and I cannot wait to hear more about you and your opinions on life! I love your real, honest, approach and I am SO excited for you! It's so therapeutic to just get stuff out there. Let me know if there is anything you have questions about ( it took me AGES to learn stuff and I'm still picking up bits and pieces). Love you!!!!!
    - your fellow sister in the blogging world

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    1. There's a LOT to learn! I finally found the gadgets that get people emails when I post if they want them... I'm thinking I should get better about posting pictures but I'm sure there's rules about what to use and from whom, and if stuff is free if you source it or whatever, because I"m sure there's quotes and snippets to come that would work on Pinterest but they need a picture!

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  4. Glad you invited me to check out your blog. Look forward to seeing more.

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    1. There is already quite a bit more, Cindi, it's listed by month up at the top on the right hand side. Thanks for reading and commenting!

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  5. F.I.N.A.L.L.Y. This topic came up between my worship and arts pastor and myself while we were on our way to the Christian Musician's Summit last week. I am who I am, I said. We all are different in different situations, he said. Maybe you and most everyone else is, but I'm not and maybe that's the problem, maybe that's the reason I feel that our team doesn't connect or truly befriend each other, I said. Food for thought, he said.

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    1. I hope he chews thoroughly. I'm looking forward to your input on the rest of it!

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  6. I think what you said was beautifully stated!!! I think your message is important. I believe living a transparent life is not only encouraging to those of us already following Christ but it is a wonderful witness to those who have yet to meet Him. I am looking forward to reading more:)

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    1. More there is, already posted up and to the right dear, separated by month. Thank you so much for your support!

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