Question

Should a person be open with their personal circumstances in group setting or church?

This is an area of struggle for me. It's when the truth of a person's or group's purpose becomes reality. There are moments, I believe, when our journey is to be with Father only. I feel, there are times when Father wants us to silence all those voices around us to hear only Him.

In my life I have experienced both. I have reminded silent, often in my silence I heard more from Father. I grew and developed in character. After coming through the thick of it I would share my testimony in a church or group setting and it furthered my development. Encouraging others.

On the other side I have also been quite open in my life. Were some of you to go back and skim through the love dare portion of my blog it would be seen how raw and honest I can be. In my openness I saw the realities break the ice. The downside of openness is instead of focusing on Father, my focus became the people I told. What did they say or do? If I felt rejected or saw myself being avoided...oh my... the sharp sting that brought.

In sharing I have learned life is not fair. People will disappoint me. However, Father puts certain people and groups in our lives who will come along side us, unbiasedly, loving nurturing us. Keeping us accountable. Those are the people to cherish and thank God for. They are gems.  Sometimes our coaches who remind us why we are doing what we are doing, who encourage us to keep going, to keep believing.

There have been several times in my life were, Father has placed people or groups in my life who really gave to me and my family. Sometimes these weren't the people I thought it would be. All the same Father put me or my family on their hearts. And wow, I have been blessed and I thank Father for all of them.

I want to encourage anyone who has been dealt the blow of being open with people or in groups and have feel the bitterness of the cold shoulder. Or have learned the truth, that some people in their lives were merely seasonal.  To everyone dealing with this hurt, please know we are all imperfect beings. Father gives and takes away. Out of everyone who loves you. God loves you the most. As the song a says, " I am just a prayer away."

In all things they will work together for our good. Trust Father to reveal who to go to. Forgive them those who have caused hurt. Love them. And let your testimony be your ministry. Father is our refuge and our strength.

Much Love,