Fear can be such a crippling thing, and can eat at you almost like a disease.
Growing up, much of our life was ruled by fear. Fear of displeasing a hard to please God, fear of getting into some unknown trouble with the church, and fear of death and dying were the three main fears we lived with, and then there were a lot of smaller fears.
The moment Jesus became real in our life those fears vanished, along with a lot of the smaller ones. Though my life is no longer ruled by fear like it used to be, there is still one fear I haven't exactly faced head on. Fear of, how do I describe it, fear of what people might think of me if I were 100% open about everything,
It's so easy to allow people to only see certain parts, and I really value the friendships I have, but there are times when I wonder, would I still have the same friends if I were totally honest about all my likes and dislikes? I love reading, really love it. My all time favorite series of books though, would I dare mention them? Same with music, singing is something I also really love and listening to music, but what if I shared my all time favorite song, would people look at me differently even though I'm the exact same person I was before they knew what it is? This list could also go on for a while.
I'm curious does anyone else deal with similar fear?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Simple answer... yes...
ReplyDeleteBut... I believe that those who really love / like me for some parts won't change as they learn the other parts...
... and I the same for them...
(I'm writing with a wrinkled brow on my forehead hoping that I really do believe that... :)
H
So... what's your favorite song?
You would think after all the changes we have made in our life, I wouldn't care what anyone thinks, and for most part I don't, but there are still a few things.........
DeleteMy favorite song is one I would have chosen as a first dance at our wedding if that would have been possible.
I have thought the same thing many times. I believe the only person besides Jesus who knows EVERYTHING about me is my darling husband. And miracle of miracles, he does still love me. I am blessed. I would hope that my friends would still love me but in this imperfect world I'm not sure....
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you know the God who loves you and doesn't rule by fear.
Blessings,
Betsy
Me too, me too. To know God as a loving God has made all the difference.
DeleteI think so many of us reveal only the parts that we feel will be 'acceptable'. But, the older I get, the more I realise that I will never be perfect, but that through God's grace I can accept who I am. My husband, like Betsy's, knows me for what I am and loves me still!
ReplyDeleteFunny thing is, I wonder how many of my friends might like the same things, but never mention it because they think I wouldn't like it. :)
DeleteAn interesting inquiry to be sure. I wonder if the things we choose not to share are the ones we somehow deem inappropriate ? Is it our subconscious mind ? But then I think some things are best left unsaid. I do think we are all " frauds " in some sense of the word. Complete and total honesty is a difficult thing. The real question is, who are we protecting ? Others or ourselves ?
ReplyDeleteI think for me, a lot of the time I refrain from voicing things because I see no need to get into debates. Very few people see eye to eye on everything. Regarding the music I like, I don't feel guilty or think it's inappropriate, but I have a lot of friends opposed to having drums or any music with more of a beat to it. I really like it though, and now it's out there.
DeleteWhat we like and what we choose are two different things. We shouldn't be afraid to let anyone see what we choose, because our choices should be based on conviction. But what we LIKE may have to be reserved for those whom we trust, the people who love us and hopefully understand that we are willing to forgo our own preferences for higher things when necessary.
ReplyDeleteTrue words!
DeleteYes! For almost two years I have had this fear that I am not 'mom enough' or 'christian enough' because I do not have a dozen children. Sometimes I wonder if they are right, that I do not have enough faith... That I should not fear pregnancy or listen to medical advice, that I should just leave it all up to God. But doesn't He value ALL life, including mine? Did He not give us all free will and the intelligence to make an educated decision in all areas of our life?
ReplyDeleteFear of what others think of us is not fun. For me I have only a fraction of it remaining, but there's still some there. Something to work on in 2015, I guess. Because afterall, as long as my relationship with Jesus is where it should be, why do I care what anyone thinks?!
DeleteI have found that suddenly that burden has been lifted. age maybe? I don't ever want to offend anyone, but I no longer worry about what anyone thinks of me either. I figure those left knowing the real me are those worth embracing as being 'true' friends, family. it's exhausting to try and tiptoe around in life. when you lose that fear, you really do begin to absolutely enjoy living life to the fullest. I toss myself right out there. if there is negativity, then I acknowledge it but just move on. I'm me. and that's all any of us can strive to be. :)
ReplyDeleteI heard something many years ago while attending a 12step program. A lady said, "It is none of your business what other people think of you." That comment has stuck with me all these years. At my age, 65, the only one I really care about and what He thinks of me, is Jesus. I care greatly about people but not their opinion of me. We really don't need to know everything about our friends, relatives or others to be able to love and accept them just as they are. Happy New Year to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI can honestly say that I am one of the least judgemental people I know and I think it is because of how open I am about who I really am. I am sure there are plenty of people who judge but there are also a lot of people who are wise enough not to.
ReplyDelete