Blog 40—The Change Series (Part 3) —Confronting Your Hidden Fears

Most people I know would say that they want to live an authentic life. The only problem with living an authentic life is that it leaves you vulnerable. Your faults and failures are on view, for all to see.

Sometimes it’s easier to live a lie, a little white lie, rather than face ridicule or rejection.

Tweet this: ‘Sometimes it’s easier to live a lie, a little white lie, rather than face ridicule or rejection’—https://bit.ly/2Jg2WIk

But that’s not what Jesus calls us to do. He calls us to be like him—Pay the price and live an authentic life.

Today I want to ’fess up to something that, for too many years I refused to face … because I am a Christian.

Perhaps you can relate to my fear. You may have a fear of your own, something you may not be willing to ’fess up to!

‘So, Father now you know … What is my penance?’— by Hans Braxmeier, Pixabay

This weeks blog is a tongue in cheek look at fear, a fear I battle daily. The story is not so loosely based on fact. Names have not been changed to protect the guilty.

I hope it makes you smile … laugh out loud even.

It's time to ’fess up

‘Forgive me father, for I have sinned, I have a confession I need to make.’

‘When was the last time you confessed?’

‘Never. I’ve never confessed this to anyone. This is the first time. I am entitled to the confidentiality?’

‘Absolutely, what you share in the blogging confessional stays in the blogging confessional!’

It's painfully obvious that I wasn’t brought up Catholic, I’m certain the wording is wrong, but the intent is there.

Today you are my confessor

So where were we?

Oh yes… ‘I have a confession to make.’

‘What is your confession, my son?’

My confession…

‘Father … I like, no I need to be recognised… always have.

I‘ve fought against it my whole life. I was brought up to act humbly, always putting others first. I’m pretty good at it too in a humble sort of way, but I crave recognition.

I’ve had my fifteen minutes of fame, enjoyed it too, but it’s not enough. I want more. I’ve had ‘nice’, too many times. From well-meaning souls, but who needs nice?

Nice is vanilla, nice is bland … rubbish.

Nice says ‘it best when you say nothing at all.

Why don’t people make comments like, ‘that made me think’ or,

‘I never thought of it like that’, or even, … ‘that made me laugh?’

Constant craving!

Do you know what I really crave … Is crave too strong a word?

‘Possibly’.

‘Feedback, any feedback. I'd be happy to accept, “You could have done better” or even, “Rod that was rubbish.”

Seeing how this is a Church Blog Post I’m not allowed to use, stronger words, rubbish will have to do for the moment.

Penance

‘So, Father now you know my dirty little secret … What is my penance?’

‘Well then my son, you will need to:
Practice your gift —In your case you need to write, 500 words every day for the rest of your life! No excuses. Just do it.’
Accountable—You will have to be part of an accountability group.’
Read—You will have to read daily’, even if it’s only for 5 or 10 minutes.’
Expand your mind—You will need to expand the genres of literature you read.
Share—As your experience and expertise grows share with others. It’s good to learn but more satisfying to share with others. Enrich other people’s lives along the journey.’

Absolution

‘Father, If I do all that You have told me I must do, will I be forgiven?’

‘Um, I don’t know about absolution. You still have ways to travel with humility’ but, and I emphasise the word but, if you follow my instructions and persist you may even receive some of the recognition you crave.

Now go in peace and write some more.

My question for you is …