Choose Truth

An elephant sits in the room, there in the corner, as big as life itself and yet hidden from view.  People walk past, shield their eyes from the sight, and continue on as if they had not seen a thing.  But if one were to look closely, if one were to pay attention, that person would realize a name tag hung from the elephant’s neck with large bold letters identifying it as “TRUTH”.  However, now that the name of the elephant is known, what should be done about it?  Should the person set the elephant free?  Should the elephant be sent elsewhere?  Should the person change the name tag to a less offensive or more obscure name?  Or should it continue to be ignored?

We’ve all been there.  We’ve all been in a situation where seeing the elephant in the room and letting the Truth out seems like an unthinkable option.  Best to keep quiet.  Best to keep the facts between a few selected people.  Best to let others live in bliss and keep the harsh Truth from their little innocent selves.  Besides, saying the Truth out loud could cause a ripple effect of consequences that we are unprepared (cough cough unwilling) to handle. 

And so we ignore that little big elephant over there in the corner. 

The funny thing is: everyone can feel the elephant in the room even if they can’t see it.  They know someone is breathing up a lot of oxygen in the room; they know that certain people avoid walking near a certain corner for some reason; they know that something is different and no one will tell them what it is.

So the rumor mill starts. 

“I hear that one of us really messed up and they want to fire that person.  That’s why they’re whispering so much.” 

“I hear that so-and-so cheated on so-and-so, but no one wants to tell him.”

“I can’t quite put my finger on it, guys, but I’m pretty sure something bad is going down.  Maybe one of our bosses is quitting?”

“Money.  It’s always about money.  Either some is missing or some is being cut from the budget.  That’s why they look so worried.”

“I hear that in that corner there’s a gas leak, but they don’t want anyone to panic so they haven’t told anyone yet.  But they’re working on fixing it.”

Pretty soon, the rumors become so alive that they start to choke the life out of the not-yet-said Truth.  In this battle, the rumors may win and even if the Truth is finally admitted, no one is going to believe it.

All because we didn’t have the courage (read vulnerability) to admit the Truth. 

Jesus tells us very clearly that this is not the way we are to live.  He says to us: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).  He wants us to embrace him as Truth because in Truth, there is freedom and there is life.

Today, I encourage you to seek out that grace-filled Truth.  I encourage you to be vulnerable to admit what’s really going on.  I encourage you to be courageous and choose Truth over rumors, Truth over the easy way out, Truth over keeping an elephant as a pet. 

Stay tuned!  


Photo credit: http://blog.dyslexicadvantage.org/2015/01/27/being-dyslexic-the-elephant-in-the-room/

New Beginnings

The black darkness of night with its starry skies slowly fades away, the muted colors of dawn creeping in slowly.  Like a breath of fresh air, light embraces the world once again.  Pink and orange skies give way to blues and grays.  The blanket of snow glitters beneath, its windswept waves and icy layers glisten with the morning sunlight.  The air is cold, but not sharp.  It is a beautiful morning.

But this day is not like any other day, for today something new is beginning, something special.  My dearest sister is finally saying “I do” to the man of her dreams.  May I introduce you to Mr. & Mrs. DeLange! 

Many months of preparation, of stress and tears, of joy and happiness lead up to this one day.  Hair is curled, shirts are pressed, flowers are pinned, coffee is drunk, and tears are secretly wiped away.  Friends and family from all over come together to visibly show their loving support to the couple.  Everything looks as if it came from a dream; however, the glitz and glam of the event cannot outshine the happiness of Sarah and Jordan. 

To commit so wholeheartedly to someone, to say “we for eternity”, to swear that before God “you are mine and I am yours” is such a powerful thing.  Unlike friends and family from whom you can “break ties with” (no matter how painful or difficult it may be), a marriage is something altogether different.  The bond between you two and God is something chosen and something fought for.  The moment you say “I do” you are in essence saying “I know that hard times will come BUT I am committed to you and to God and so that, come what may, we will find a way through it together.”  Marriage has greviously become so flippant nowadays, and divorce is seen as an easy and logical way out.  But that’s not what marriage is or should be.  You don’t stand up in front of everyone in church and say “I do until I’m sick of you” to the man or woman of your dreams.  You don’t say, “So I think this is fun and a good idea for now, but just know, buddy, that if you get on my nerves I can totally divorce you.”  You don’t say, “I will love you and commit to you so long as it’s beneficial for me”.  No!  Those are unions between allies, an agreement struck between two business partners, a peace accord between two parties.  That’s not a marriage.  A marriage is deeper, stronger, longer, and harder.

Today, I want to be the first to raise my glass to those who’ve said “I do”.  You have chosen to say yes, and for that I both admire and respect you.  May you forever choose peace over hatred, union over separation, love over apathy.  May we, your friends and family, ever support you in this beautiful and challenging journey.  May God turn His face towards you and give you His strength and peace.

My final toast of the day: to Sarah and Jordan!  May your love for each other be like Christ’s love for his Church—never-ending and all-enduring. 

Stay tuned!

Photo credit: Elaine DeLange