When you feel less than
Acutely aware of the nakedness under my robe, I snugged the collar against my neck. The halls of the hotel were filled with tailored suits and designer dresses while me and my friends modeled white terry-cloth and nothing else. Well, nothing except rubber shower shoes. More than a few guests looked on with disgust as we traipsed through the halls feeling less-than and exposed. Walking through the lobby of the hotel in nothing but our robes seemed like a good idea when we left the spa, but the well-heeled guests indicated otherwise with raised eyebrows and cocked heads. We wanted to hide.
“So they hid from the Lord God among the trees.” Genesis 3:8 NLT
Ever feel less than and exposed?
We’ve all been there, covering our nakedness with terry cloth or fig leaves because we feel less than. Though we cannot hide from God, we sugar-coat our lives and pretend we are okay when we are not. Pretending is like dressing up in high heels and looking down your nose at the less than well-dressed. I’ve been both and I’ve experienced both.
“But I God, search the heart and examine the mind. I get to the heart of the human. I treat them as they really are, not as they pretend to be.” Jeremiah 17:9-10 MSG
I want my own Facebook life #real Click To Tweet
Can we just quit pretending?
Attending an event designed for struggling women I was discouraged after the introductions. Instead of feeling connected, the stories they told magnified my less than. Introductions are hard for me, even the simple questions are complicated, “What do you do?” “How many kids do you have?” “Are you married?”
Trying to decide between the glam version of my life and the pathetic reality, I decided to keep it simple. You know, I snugged my robe up under my chin and evaded my less than. I went home feeling more isolated and defeated because everyone avoided exposure.
“Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 HCSB
Sharing your success doesn’t help; exposing yourself is risky
Naked women attend my Bible study group. Wait, it’s not what you think, we wear clothes, but we don’t wear masks. Sharing a burden is terrifying, like getting undressed in front of others. But when the load gets lighter, what a gift and privilege to share your pain.
“Carry each other’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 NIV
Sharing each other’s burdens is one way of showing God’s love to others. Wearing “masks” prevents us from truly sharing. Thank you for this inspirational message. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂
Thanks for always being real and encouraging us to take off our heavy masks. ♥