The Truth Hurts Sometimes

Last night, I met with a dear friend from our amazing church (can you tell I love it?). We actually knew each other as children and have reconnected as adults. We were able to sit and have a Starbuck's beverage and gab about all the happenings in our life. I welcomed the girl time with open arms.

We got on a topic that our family is currently struggling quite a bit with-one that is taxing emotionally and leaving both Jason and I feeling very discouraged. It's so emotional to me that I won't label it by name here, but it is one that I am sure most couples experience. My friend was very good about sharing her advice with me, but also very forthright in telling me the wrong choices I had made in this situation. Although she has talked frank to me before, I have to admit that her words stung me at first.

Since our discussion, I have thought a great deal about the level of commitment it takes to be a friend who tells you like it is. For those of you who know me well, you know that I will do almost anything to avoid uncomfortable circumstances with people. I don't like ANYONE to be mad at me and although I can and have put on brave faces in the midst of conflict, I always go home and cry about things and internalize every word. I have become accustomed as well to existing in circles where people intentionally don't tell you the truth, but do say the truth about you behind your back. I can't tell you how surprised I was to learn only a few years ago that alot of people in the world talk honestly to each other without sugar coating things or worrying about how to spare the other person's feelings.

So, to be told the flat out truth about something so emotional for me, stung me because it is not my nature to hear the truth. But, as I am growing and maturing, I am choosing to look past my insecurities that tell me to run for the hills when I hear a negative word spoken in my direction and rather take the truth that is shared with love and use it to spur me on to better results. Thanks, A, for continuing to challenge me to be better than I am today.

Now, don't everyone send in their comments of "truth" all at once! I am still learning this discipline and would still appreciate some finesse!