Perfectly Flawed.

February 26, 2014

“The more we understand that our identity in Christ is continually secure and that no misstep, rejection or judgment could ever change that, the more liberated we become from the opinions of others. As the gap increases between God’s opinions and others’ opinions, we are able to live more freely and are more consumed with the idea that heaven is our home and earth is the place to make him known.” (Uncommon Woman)
Meeting Susie at a retreat last fall.


I first read these words by Susie Larson several years ago. As someone who was bound by a fear of failure and insecurity regarding others' opinions of me, they were profound.

All my life I've hid my mistakes, ran from failure. Too embarrassed to share with others what I was truly like, I put up a front that everything was fine, desiring so much for others to see me as successful and not as the failure I felt like inside.

Susie’s words were some of the first I read that were truly honest.

I found myself in awe of her openness and her vulnerability to share things that had happened in her life. But instead of assuming she was weak or judging her, all I could think was, “Wow, she’s really brave.”

I admired her frankness.

And as God began to use her words and others to break down my own barriers, I found him calling me to share my story. To name my weaknesses. To tell others of my fears and failures.

And as I did, I found something amazing happened. I wasn't alone. Others began to share their stories too. I could relate to people in a way I never had before, and they to me.

I've realized we all want to be understood, known by another. There is comfort in that. There is a closeness gained only through disclosure. We begin to see others’ humanity just a little bit more. Our hearts soften and our compassion for people increases.

Our willingness to love multiplies.

And in doing so, we may not always appear so successful, put together, or perfect. 

We turn out to be something ever better: We become real. Authentic. Genuine.





Today we are once again linking up with Holley Gerth over at Coffee for the heart, Emily for Imperfect Prose, and Jennifer for Tell His Story.

10 comments

  1. Indeed I have also seen how honest sharing invites others into community and how connected you become when you realize you aren't the only one that feels that way. It's powerful and freeing!

    Christy @ A Heartening Life
    www.ahearteninglife.com

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    1. So true Christy! I have found such great community, both in person and online!

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  2. Your words are so true. Vulnerability breeds vulnerability. If we want others to be real we have to be real ourselves. And real is always better.

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    1. So true V! Often if we lead by example others will follow. Now just to have the boldness to do it ;)

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  3. I love it when bloggers decide to get real, even if getting real means sharing our messy failures.

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    1. Exactly Leelee, I feel like I'm able to relate to other bloggers so much better who are honest about life!

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  4. This is beautiful Kendra. Knowing you now, I would never have guessed that you struggled with those issues. I've been freed from similar things, and I celebrate with you today!

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    1. Thanks Tabby, you are so sweet! Love you friend!

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  5. "We turn out to be something ever better: We become real. Authentic. Genuine."

    So Much Amen! Visiting from Holley's and our (in)Courage Writers group! Loved the truth here... and the invitation to be transparent! It's so powerful!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Karrilee! Your words and encouragement are always a blessing! :)

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