It was a beautiful spring day during my freshman year of college. I was looking for something to wear when I saw a cute little spring dress on my roommates side of the closet (Side note: you know you have the best roommate in the world when you can share clothes without having to ask!!). There weren't many dresses on my side, so I thought I would step out of my comfort zone. Inspired by the beautiful weather, I put on the dress, grabbed my backpack and headed out the door.
I walked out into the plaza- the central hub of our college campus- and breathed in the fresh air. I was caught up in the beauty of the moment, praising God for creating such a glorious day. I was completely unaware of anyone noticing me. I was simply walking to class, lost in my own thoughts.
When I reached the opposite side of the plaza, one of my classmates- an older gentleman- stopped me. He said, "Um, Becky. Your dress is tucked into your backpack."
My beautiful day turned into mortification! Had I really just walked across the entire plaza with my underwear showing?!!!
When I started writing in this blog, it was simply a place to express what God was teaching me and what He was laying on my heart. I never thought that anyone besides my close friends or my immediate family would read my words.
And so, I wrote openly and honestly- often leaving my heart bare, sharing thoughts that left me vulnerable.
But I have walked across the plaza a few times since I started writing. And I have been learning that we SHOULD step out of our comfort zones as writers. We SHOULD share openly and honestly. We SHOULD be seeking to bring glory to God.
But...we don't need to walk with our dresses tucked into our backpacks! Sometimes we can share too much. I am learning the fine line that is found in the sharing of my heart.
Sometimes I will have friends who will gently remind me that I have shared too much. And sometimes I will be hurt by those who care nothing for me.
As a result, I am learning to look in the mirror before I write- to faithfully ask, "Is my dress tucked into my backpack?" Because while I desire to be open and vulnerable with my words, my sole purpose is to bring glory to God.
Has writing left you feeling bare? May our loving Father hold you close and remind you of His great love for you that never fails even when we are the most vulnerable!
Today's 5 minute prompt from the lovely Lisa-Jo Baker was "bare". Seems like I can't write on this topic without sharing one of my most embarrassing moments! But what is life if we can't laugh at it every once in awhile, right?!! Happy Friday, happy weekend, happy living openly and honestly to bring glory to God!
Thank you for this! Blogging is often such a fine line between sharing too much and sharing too little. There's not always an easy answer and that line seems to shift at times. I appreciate your vulnerability here.
ReplyDeleteYes! When that line shifts, it is so hard to know. Blogging requires much wisdom! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteAwww love this.... There is fine line with being honest and telling too much, but can I say I never thought your words showed your undies:) I think your words are a beautiful dress! So glad you wrote... I always miss your posts when you don't write!! I'm always so blessed !! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteHa! Thank you friend!!!
DeleteA good reminder friend... that all for God... all for God. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI need the reminder all the time- where is my focus? Who am I trying to please? When I am vulnerable and He gets the glory it is all good!!
DeleteOh, girl, I knew from the first sentence this was going to be a good story. Love how you took humor to make a very good point. I often feel guilty of leaving something with a negative slant. Good point about checking the mirror for the true reflection. This is why I like having you around. You keep me on my toes. ;)
ReplyDeleteHi Becky
ReplyDeleteA bit late visiting from FMF, but here nonetheless! Excellent post! We can easily cause hurt with our words, so let it be touched with love!
Much love
Mia