Transparency is tough. It requires doing exactly the opposite of what our society declares to be most important. Transparency is the decision to be see-through. Transparency challenges us to lay down the mask of self-sufficiency and admit need, imperfection, brokenness, and the inability to handle everything by ourselves. We live in a “don’t let them see you sweat” world. Success is defined by how effortless you make your life seem. There is tremendous pressure to have all the answers, juggle all the balls, and pull off the impossible, all while having fresh manicures and perfect hair days. We exhaust ourselves creating a façade while failing to feed our souls.
Transparency allows our souls to breathe. It gives our hearts access to grace, prayers, support, and love. We are often afraid to be transparent because we fear others will judge or abandon us. And there may be some who do. But overwhelmingly, people respond with mercy and compassion. It is a relief to know that others struggle, to join together as we seek God with hungry hearts, and to discover blessings in brokenness. Transparency acknowledges a fundamental truth – we are not in control. It is counterintuitive to admit that, but it is also the only pathway to freedom and peace.
My Jesus Resolution today is to be transparent. I am going to fight against my ingrained habit of wearing a mask and hiding my true self. Transparency has the power to stretch my faith, open the storehouse of His grace, and shine a light into a dark world. I am going to risk opening the door to my heart when fear urges me to keep it tightly closed. I am going to trust God’s faithfulness when it might seem easier to hang onto personal control. Most of all, being transparent means letting others see how Jesus is taking shape in me as I open the windows of my soul and allow Him to shine through me.
Casandra Martin 
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