Where do you need to be more honest in your story? What holds you back from living authentically? How do you move forward when the truth you seek is not what God created you for?

These power-packed questions will either leave you cowering or ready to face them head on. I would love to tell you I am the second person. Honestly, I have moments when I am brave and in those times I don’t even recognize myself. Whichever scenario you identify with you will find that these questions pop up when you least expect them. Will you answer them or ignore them hoping they disappear?

Authenticity vs. What Others Think

The power of words is extensive. Words tell our stories and lead people to gain access into who we are. As a writer, the words I display on this page tell pieces of my story. Over the years, you have secured an insight into who I am and how I live my life. But I would be less than honest if I said I have told you the whole story.

It’s easy in our current culture to present ourselves in a way that preserves our flaws and keeps them safe from prying eyes. Tiny squares on Instagram portray life as we wish others to see it. Facebook is a forum for letting it all out but that is not who I am. The question I am asking myself then is “does that mean I am not authentic?”

I hope you will join me in saying “no”.

Authenticity is the doorway into someone’s life. Sometimes the doorway is open completely and other times you discover a small enough crack to inch your way in. Where Do You Need to be More Honest in Your Story? Share on X

Authenticity is present in both places.

To be clear, I’m not keeping any big secrets from you but there are private pieces to my story that only those closest to me will ever know. It sounds like I’m holding back and I want to reassure you that for the purpose of this post I want us to come to a place of realization that we are all capable of honesty in our stories. You get to choose who your people are and what broken remnants you will share.

Others will happily tell you that you don’t measure up or you will never fit in. Don’t let those lies guide who you are and how you live your daily life. God knows every detail about you and that is enough.

The world is the world and in our current culture it believes it has all the right answers. As believers, we know God holds the answers and He sustains His children.

What Does God Say About Your Story?

God always chooses to call me brave, even on the days I don’t. God has truths that he declares over you, too.

However, the world and even some people close to us may say things like, “Not enough, not qualified, too tall, too short, not graceful, not funny, and _________ (add your own here). But God has truth to refute each of the unkind phrases above. He is loving and kind and would never say negative things about us.

God is the creator of our stories. When He created us, He called us “GOOD.” That alone speaks volumes about the character of God and how much He loves us.

When we question, “Where do you need to be more honest in your story?”, God replies with “I know everything about you” (Luke 12:7). I knew you before you were formed in your mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5). “You have searched me Lord, and you know me” (Psalm 139:1).

God’s truth will always outweigh the lies the world strives to instill in you. God’s lovingkindness will always grow in abundance and never run out.

How to be More Honest in Your Story

You may hear others tell you that they appreciate vulnerability and honesty. I am one of those people. But finding a friend who will listen, really listen, is not always easy. Finding people who are a safe place for your imperfections and messiness is tricky. How can we choose honesty in our stories and still know we are not being thrown out to the wolves?

Five ways that will lead you to God’s truth and loving arms:

1. At the very moment you find yourself believing untruths, call upon the Lord. Pray, “Dear Father, I can’t, but you can.” Name the lie and speak God’s truth over yourself by reading God’s Word. (Hebrews 4:12)
2. Find your people. If you are like me, you may find that your people are not the same throughout your lifetime. Experience, age, and seasons of life change and your people might also.
3. Choose your safe place wisely. God is always a safe place. (Psalm 91:2, Romans 8:28, Zephaniah 3:17, Psalm 16:1)
4. Remember God is the Author of your story and He declares it good and sacred. (Psalm 139:13-16, MSG)
5. Listen well when a friend trusts you enough to be his/her safe place. (Psalm 66:19, Matthew 13:12, Mark 4:25)

I pray you receive strength and courage from God as you learn to share your story more honestly. I am doing the same.

Empowering women to walk in brave faith one heart at a time!

I’m thrilled that I wrote this post. It’s been a hot minute. 🤣 Please hop over to Instagram if you want to keep in contact. I write more regularly there and love the platform.

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Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash