Naked Hearts
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Hearts were never intended to be nestled beneath the coat of bones and skin they wear. As if the physical cover is not enough, we bury our hearts further with walls of protection. Layering coat after coat to insure full security. While our physical hearts were created to pump blood through the veins, sustaining life, the heart’s true purpose is much larger than that.
Hearts are in their prime when they are fully exposed- naked.
Carefully guarding its soft tissue, we pray for preservation and safekeeping, when we should pray for just the opposite-brokenness- hearts worn on the sleeves, battered and wilted.
Why is it often the hardest thing in the world to do?
“It” meaning
bare your heart.
The fear of others’ thoughts invades our heart headquarters and deprives them of the biggest moments. Even in the safest environments, Satan whispers:
No one else can relate; you are alone.
Someone might laugh at you.
Everyone else has their act together.
And your heart temporarily believes his lies, missing opportunity after opportunity to give God the glory He deserves.
The honor He should have because He saved your heart.
The praise that is His through any heart works you do in His power.
The blessing of giving back to Him a small representation of His heart.
While his body bore suffering on the cross in complete shame, physically naked to the world, the ultimate gift Jesus gave arrived in the form of a naked heart- giving up His rightful power and baring the sin of the world.
Can you see the privilege we have to bare our hearts in likewise form, giving up our own dreams and ambitions for His plan for our lives?
Not only to Him.
But baring naked hearts for Him.
With His promise that we are NEVER alone.
How will you begin to make your heart bare for Him today?
Evenin’ Rachel Girl,
I feel like as women of God we’re called to be beautifully vulnerable! I’m still learning what that truly looks like… beautiful post! May God continue to peel our layers off and reveal our NEED for Him more and more! He is good. Prayers sent your way from Maine tonight sister! ~ Blessings, Amy
Love it, Rachel. It’s in the exposing of our heart to “the elements,” not protecting it, where we grow and are of the most service to His kingdom and others. Getting better at this.
I actually started a new series today called “When Motherhood Comes Softly” talking about how I really struggled at the beginning of motherhood. It was really hard for me to publish that post because I was afraid I’d be the only one to admit it!
Mary Beth
Thanks Mary Beth! I hope you are encouraged. While there are times when we experience rejection, I think most Christians are learning that the more we love like Jesus, the more we will expose our weaknesses to allow His strength to shine through. This is what heart-baring is all about. 🙂 Best wishes in your blog series!
I find that baring my heart via apology, although I do it often, is still difficult. Not only do I need to humble myself and admit wrong doing on purpose or by accident, but I also may find that even when I take that step forward, the recipient isn’t ready to forgive.
Thanks for giving me good food for thought today.
Yes, another fear of heart-baring- rejection. I understand exactly what you mean. And as Isaiah well describes, “He was despised and rejected of men.” Thanks for stopping by. Blessings to you today!