Transparency…what does it mean to be transparent in a society filled with filters and veils? What does it mean to be honest and realistic with yourself and others, by revealing your darkest demons?
This digit age can be such a blessing, yet a curse at the same time. Indeed, we can “connect” with people from across the world in a matter of seconds, but yet are we “connected?” You see, I believe a connection is something deeper than what most see on the surface level. The entity that brings us all together is Christ. What I find intriguing is that society directs that we shouldn’t be transparent with others, by not allowing them to see us at our raw, true soul-self. I disagree. For it is in these moments in which a community is formed. It is in these moments when the “me” is gone, and the soul-self can connect with Christ by allowing Him to use others to converse with you.
My team and I have been speaking for many months now, “connecting” using different social media platforms, but I wanted a real connection. I wanted them to see my soul, not some guy on Facebook or Instagram acting like he has life all figured out. I wanted to go deep!
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” (Eph. 4:25)
To be honest, I was incredibly frightened to open up to my team about my past and the poor choices I made before coming to Christ. I was still filled with shame and guilt from my sins. It was like I was waiting for them to judge me, but that wasn’t the case. You see, Christ doesn’t do this. He has shown me that he has the hearts of each member of this team, and each member is so willing to serve Him. I cannot begin to express the relationship that I have made with my teammates so far, and we haven’t even made it to training camp yet. This genuine connection that I feel when I’m chatting, Skypeing and playing “DEAR DIARY” (LOL) with them is nothing but pure divine, Christ-centered love. This team has accepted me for all my flaws and has helped shaped me into a better teammate, leader, and a follower of Christ.
Now with training camp just being a few weeks away, I cannot wait to be with this team! I’m ready to be stripped of everything I think I know about myself and so willing to surrender it all to Christ. I feel safe for the first time in my life, all because I was willing to be transparent.
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (Jas 3:17)
Chandler
P.S
For all those that got the play on words title, THANK YOU! LOL
