Being Real

<p>READ: <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+ROMANS+15%3A7%3B+COLOSSIANS+2%3A12-13%3B+3%3A9-14%3B+1+PETER+5%3A6&amp;version=NLT">ROMANS 15:7; COLOSSIANS 2:12-13; 3:9-14; 1 PETER 5:6</a></p> <p>If we were real with God, that deep well of frustration,</p> <p>discontentment, or fear could be emptied</p> <p>one putrid bucket at a time</p> <p>and filled with His unfailing love, faithfulness, and grace.</p> <p>Without recognition and an honest emptying of the ugly,</p> <p>how can we make room for the beauty</p> <p>so we can be filled with healing?</p> <p>If we were real with ourselves, allowing the truth</p> <p>of the gospel to seep into the depths of our soul,</p> <p>it would illuminate that which needs change</p> <p>Uncomfortable, exposed, but necessary.</p> <p>Once we let go of the facade, the real work begins</p> <p>Truth, acceptance, change.</p> <p>If we were real with others, perceptions could be past</p> <p>Strongholds would be smashed.</p> <p>Looking into each other’s eyes,</p> <p>we would see the reality and breathe deep,</p> <p>knowing we are not alone.</p> <p>The struggle is real.</p> <p>The reality? Everyone struggles.</p> <p>Yet, because of Jesus, we can</p> <p>embrace the real, because really,</p> <p>who wants to live a lie?</p> <p>Make way for the awkward, hard,</p> <p>embarrassing, in-your-face truth</p> <p>Make way for real. • Savannah Coleman</p> <p>• In what ways do you feel like you can’t be authentic? How does Jesus’s forgiveness free us?</p> <p>Don’t lie to each other…Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you…Colossians 3:9, 13 (NLT)&nbsp;</p>