Keepin' it real

trans·par·ent 1 a (1): having the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly : pellucid (2): allowing the passage of a specified form of radiation (as X-rays or ultraviolet light) b: fine or sheer enough to be seen through

Being transparent has gotten a bad name over the years. Our society, for a long time, didn't believe in being transparent. As though showing a weakness or being honest about something in your life, would damage what people thought about you. *gasp* The baby boomer generation, for the most part, didn't believe in being transparent with their children about their rebellion as young teens for fear that that teen would go out and do the same thing. In the modern church world, we can't be transparent as leaders for fear that the congregation would see that we are not perfect as leaders. We bought into this thought that of hierarchy and would raise ourselves above the rest and hold ourselves to a much higher standard. A dishonest and misleading standard, but a standard nonetheless.

In 2005, my husband and I were on staff at a church in Oklahoma City. We had just accepted a position at a very large church as youth pastors. I was very large and pregnant with Grace. We were not there 6 weeks before we were called into the office for being way too transparent. Bryan had written on a blog about the fear of being a father and the leadership of this church felt that if he feared fatherhood, how could be lead teenagers. The thought was completely foreign to them. Due to some major power plays in the church, we were the first of the staff to get fired that year. We did not know that within 12 months, many on that staff would be handed their pink slips as well.

As a mom, Christ-follower, wife, daughter, and citizen in life, I believe it is important to be transparent. I do not buy into this idea that it shows weakness to our children if we are transparent with them. There have been times when I look at Grace and just tell her, "Honey, Mommy is not feeling well today and so it would help me if you would just go find something to do." Being honest with my kids is important to me. Sharing with them that life doesn't always turn out the way we want it, but that if you are honest about it you can make it through.

Being honest as a Christ follower is important because it shows others that you are just people too. This whole hierarchy thing gets to me. So many leave the church because they put so much faith in the clergy and then when he/she fails them, they don't know where to put their faith. Bryan and I have been severely hurt in churches. We have been failed. We have been through things that most should never have to go through. If our faith was in the institute of church, we would not still be in ministry. Our faith is in the One who is more transparent to us than anyone. Christ. The definition of being transparent is transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly. When I think of that, in my mind being transparent meant to transmit Christ without scattering so that people beyond ourselves can see clearly. Being transparent as a mother, wife, daughter, Christ follower is all about one purpose. So other can see that you are human but when you put your trust in Christ, they can see through you and see the One who directs your every step. Being transparent is transmitting the light of Christ.

Keep it real, people.