Honesty

Struggling with vulnerability and shame in the wake of expression is a particular struggle of mine. I am affirmed by the recognition that perhaps the expectations I place on myself are ones that need to be broken down in order to present authentic experience. Perhaps the examples I set before myself are not ones I should live up to in every sense… some of the styles and “personas” expected in the preaching context are alienating for those of us who are introverted or find ourselves voiceless. Whatever experience and insecurity I bring to my moments may be needed by someone else who may feel insecure in trying to articulate something that there is a deep need to articulate. To be dishonest with the struggle of prophetic voice perhaps makes the task of that voice seem too easy, especially for those who hear it. Surely the task of ministry is to explore the difficulties and ugliness of our world as much as to bask in the glow of Divine Love. To portray ease where there is struggle helps anyone I speak to as little as it does me.