Sitting with the Lord and listening to the Holy Spirit talk to me about privacy and transparency. And when either one is appropriate. My husband Stephen by nature was a private person. He didn’t share a lot about his illness or struggles. I respected his wishes because they were his personal health issues. I felt that was a private matter for him to discuss at his discretion. No judgement from me. My goal was to support him every way I could. Likewise he understood my need to share my personal struggles with our family members for support on this journey. He too did not pass judgement and encouraged me to be open with others. So as I’m sitting here listening about transparency, I’m also talking to the Lord about how uncomfortable it can be at times. The Holy Spirit is also making me aware of the benefits of transparency. In fact He reminded me that His Word is filled with accounts of transparency. I can especially relate right now to many who shared about their grief from David to Naomi to Mary & Martha to the disciples when Jesus left and even to Jesus Himself. They were transparent and their stories give me insight in the midst of sorrow. They each had their own journey but reading about it helps me at different stages of my journey.

So I, like the Holy Spirit, am an advocate for both privacy and transparency as deemed appropriate.

I agree that privacy is important at certain intervals, I learned that from Stephen. Some battles are fought privately between us and the Holy Spirit on our knees. I also agree that transparency is important for healing as well. I love this quote from one of TD Jakes book. “For too long, God has been wanting to heal what we’ve been afraid to reveal, He wants us to be naked and not ashamed!” So as the Holy Spirit prompts I will continue to offer transparency in hopes that someone’s life will be transformed to the glory of God.

Sharing my morning musings on privacy and transparency. Let Jesus lead you when either is appropriate.